Grumpy Sea Turtle Bites GoPro

The green sea turtle is a very interesting creature. Some as these in the video are actually white, known as Tortuga Verde O Blanco. Some are green and some are white which is quite unique. While visiting a turtle sanctuary on Isle Mejures off the Mayan Riviera coast near Cancun Mexico, Brent had the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close. The sanctuary actually breeds the green sea turtles as well as loggerhead and hawksbill turtles Although they are endangered, sea turtles are still killed throughout Latin America for their eggs and meat. In the 1980s, efforts by a local fisherman led to the founding of this tortugranja (turtle farm), 5km south of town, which safeguards breeding grounds and protects eggs. It's a small spot, with a number of sizes of turtles and a few different species. Hatchlings are liberated immediately, while turtles that need more care are kept in pools and later released. The turtles that leave this secure beach return each year, which means their offspring receive the same protection. The sanctuary releases about 100,000 turtles each year, but only one of every 1000 will survive. The farm provides refuge for loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles ranging in weight from 150g to more than 300kg. It also has a small but interesting aquarium, displays on marine life and a pen that holds large nurse sharks and manta rays. After learning about the turtles and the refuge, Brent was wanting to get some photos of the turtles as they swam. Little did he know that some did not seem to like their photo taken. After a few tries and getting some footage with his GoPro, Brent made the decision to discontinue trying to record footage in case one of the turtles was injured by the camera. Brent mentioned it was a great experience seeing these animals so close although in a confined environment. He also suggested this as a must see if visiting Isla Mejures when in the Riviera Maya area and Cancun.