Brutus "sunbathing"
“Honu” is the Hawaiian word for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, Chelonia mydas. These herbivores spend their time flowing with currents, feeding on algaes and sea grasses.
On my recent trip to Oahu my friends and I were fortunate enough to see Brutus, the 35-40 year old male Turtle basking at Laniakea Beach. We were also lucky enough to meet a pair of these graceful creatures while snorkeling at the Nature Preserve, Hanauma Bay.
The Green Sea Turtle is an endangered species, and is protected by both Hawaiian State Law, and Federal Endagered Species Act. That makes touching, feeding, or harassing these animals both a State and Federal Offense. There was a pair of young Sea Turtles that were trying to eat algae off of rocks at Laniakea Beach. However, the surf was pounding people and turtles alike. While scraping algae with their beaks, the little Sea Turtles were tumbling over the rocks with each crashing wave. We wanted to help them, but there were volunteers on the beach to educate and monitor the Sea Turtles. They assured us that it was natural for the Turtles to do that, and they were in no immediate harm. I guess these kids are tougher than most people! Kinda helps when you’ve got a thick shell, doesn’t it?
"Whoa... Jelly dude"