Atlantis Turtles get their annual Physicals

Fri, Feb 28th 2014, 01:35 PM

Atlantis’ Green Sea Turtles, located at the Hibiscus Lagoon in the Beach Tower, recently had their annual check-ups! Resident Veterinarian at the resort, Eric Anderson made the “lagoon call” to give the large and weighty reptiles a thorough physical examination which include a check of each turtle’s weight, body condition, eyes, ears, mouth, skin and shell for any issues.

A full blood analysis is also conducted to evaluate overall health, while a spa-like sand scrub completes the experience so any accumulated algae can be removed. The scrub also helps to bring out the shell’s natural colours.

Green Sea Turtles are reptiles whose ancestors evolved on land and took to the sea to live about 150 million years ago. They are one of the few species so ancient that they watched the dinosaurs evolve and become extinct!

Green Sea Turtles are large and weighty with a wide, smooth carapace, or shell, and are named not for the colour of their shells, which are normally brown or olive depending on their habitat, but for the greenish colour of their skin.

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