Turtles Are Ancient Creatures
Turtles have been around for over 200 million years, even before dinosaurs walked the Earth!
They Live Almost Everywhere
Turtles can be found on every continent except Antarctica, from oceans and rivers to deserts and forests.
Not All Turtles Can Hide in Their Shells
While many can retract their heads and legs, sea turtles and some others cannot fully retreat into their shells.
Turtle Shells Are Part of Their Skeleton
A turtle’s shell is actually made of bones—it's fused with their spine and ribs. They can't come out of it like cartoons show!
Sea Turtles Are Marathon Swimmers
Some sea turtles migrate thousands of miles across oceans to nest or feed. The leatherback sea turtle can cross the entire Pacific Ocean!
Turtles Have Great Memory
Turtles, especially sea turtles, can remember their birth beach and return decades later to lay their eggs there.
They Can Live Very Long
Some turtles can live for over 100 years! The oldest known tortoise lived to be over 190.
They Breathe Differently
While most breathe air, some turtles can absorb oxygen through their skin or cloaca (a part near the tail), especially while hibernating underwater.