Edgar the Sea Turtle: 1992-2011
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| Mote Aquarium staff were sad to announce the passing of Edgar the loggerhead sea turtle in January 2011. Many Mote staff, volunteers and visitors felt a special connection to Edgar, a turtle that has called Mote home since she was a tiny hatchling. Turtle nest patrollers found Edgar on Treasure Island in a nest in 1992. They noticed that her pigmentation was unusually light, which put the baby turtle at risk for sunburn. She was also extremely lethargic. Because of this unusual coloring, which also put her at increased risk from predators, and other health problems, state officials determined that Edgar could not be returned to the wild. Mote Aquarium provided her a permanent home, and Edgar helped delight our guests and educate thousands of visitors about loggerhead turtles and — in her unique case — anomalies that can occur in animals. Unfortunately, Edgar’s health remained a concern for her Mote caretakers throughout her life. Her condition eventually declined, and she passed on Jan. 22, 2011. Edgar will be missed by the many staff and volunteers who worked with her throughout her life and by the many visitors who came to know her during their visits. |
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| This picture shows Edgar as a tiny hatchling. It takes decades for sea turtles to become sexually mature and, until then, it's usually impossible to tell whether they are male or female. An ultrasound performed by Mote staff as part of Edgar's veterinary care in 2006 revealed that the loggerhead was indeed a female. | This image shows Sea Turtle Care Coordinator Holly West with Edgar during the turtle's 18th birthday celebration, held in September 2010. |
| All photos © Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. | |
About Us
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
