Leatherback facts: Largest of all sea turtles, the Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea can grow to be eight feet long. Unlike other sea turtles it does not have a hard shell but a ridged, leathery hide instead. The Leatherback can travel great distances from tropical to temperate water following its’ favorite food- drifting jellyfish.
Third Realm’s Leatherback Model is massive as well, almost 6 feet long! A hinged wooden frame covered in hand stitched vinyl panels simulates the Leatherback’s hide. It opens to reveal heart, liver, lungs, digestive and reproductive organs. Look inside its’ throat, for we have made flexible pointed projections like those the real Leatherback uses to hold its’ slippery food. Unfortunately, floating plastic bags in the ocean mimic jellyfish and are eaten by the turtles threatening the survival of these massive ancient animals.