When people ask, “How old is Myrtle the turtle?”, they are often referring to Myrtle the sea turtle, one of the most famous residents of the New England Aquarium in Boston. Myrtle has become a beloved symbol of marine conservation and is especially well known for her remarkably long life. Visitors have been able to see her swimming through the aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank for decades, making her one of the institution’s most recognizable animals.

But just how old is Myrtle the turtle? Myrtle is estimated to be more than 90 years old, making her an extraordinary example of the longevity that some sea turtles can achieve. Her long life also provides an opportunity to learn more about sea turtles, their habitats, their behavior, and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

Who Is Myrtle the Sea Turtle?

Myrtle the sea turtle is a female green sea turtle who lives at the New England Aquarium. She arrived at the aquarium in 1970 and has been a major attraction ever since. Her large size, distinctive appearance, and calm swimming style have made her a favorite among generations of aquarium visitors.

Myrtle is a green sea turtle, a species known for its streamlined body, powerful flippers, and ability to travel long distances through the ocean. Despite the name, green sea turtles are not necessarily green on the outside. The name comes largely from the greenish color of their body fat, which is influenced by their diet.

Over the years, Myrtle has become much more than an individual aquarium animal. She represents the fascinating lives of sea turtles and helps people understand why marine conservation is so important.

How Old Is Myrtle the Turtle?

So, how old is Myrtle the turtle? Myrtle is estimated to be over 90 years old. Because her exact hatch date is unknown, her precise age cannot be determined with complete certainty.

Myrtle arrived at the New England Aquarium in 1970, and she was already a mature turtle at that time. Based on her size and other characteristics, aquarium experts estimate that she was already several decades old when she arrived.

Her age is especially impressive because many sea turtles face significant challenges throughout their lives. They encounter predators when they are young, habitat changes, pollution, fishing activity, boat traffic, and other threats. Surviving for many decades in the ocean is difficult, which makes Myrtle's longevity particularly remarkable.

Myrtle's Life at the New England Aquarium

Myrtle has spent more than half a century at the New England Aquarium. She lives in the Giant Ocean Tank, one of the aquarium's most prominent exhibits.

The Giant Ocean Tank provides visitors with an opportunity to observe a variety of marine animals in a large aquatic environment. Myrtle's size and slow, graceful movements make her easy to recognize as she swims through the tank.

For many visitors, seeing Myrtle is one of the highlights of a trip to the aquarium. Children and adults alike can watch her move through the water while learning about the biology and conservation of sea turtles.

Because Myrtle has lived at the aquarium for so long, she has also become part of Boston's marine education history. Multiple generations have grown up visiting her.

Why Can Sea Turtles Live So Long?

Myrtle's age raises another interesting question: why can some sea turtles live for many decades?

Sea turtles are long-lived reptiles. Although scientists do not know the exact lifespan of every individual turtle, some species can live for many decades. Their slow growth and relatively long development periods are part of their natural life history.

Green sea turtles spend different stages of their lives in different marine environments. Young turtles may spend years in areas where they can find food and shelter before eventually becoming larger adults. Mature turtles can migrate across large areas of the ocean.

Their long lifespans allow them to reproduce over many years. However, this also means that threats affecting sea turtle populations can have lasting consequences.

What Do Green Sea Turtles Eat?

Green sea turtles have an interesting diet that changes as they mature. Adult green sea turtles are primarily herbivorous and commonly eat seagrasses and algae.

Their diet plays an important role in marine ecosystems. By feeding on seagrasses and algae, green sea turtles can influence the health and structure of underwater habitats.

Myrtle receives a carefully managed diet as part of her care at the aquarium. Professional animal-care teams monitor her health, behavior, nutrition, and environment to help support her well-being.

Myrtle and Marine Conservation

One of the most valuable aspects of Myrtle's presence at the New England Aquarium is her ability to connect people with ocean conservation.

Sea turtles face many threats in the wild. Plastic pollution, fishing gear, habitat destruction, climate change, boat strikes, and changes in food availability can affect turtle populations. Because turtles can live for many decades, protecting them requires long-term conservation efforts.

When people see a large, elderly sea turtle such as Myrtle, the challenges facing wild turtles become easier to understand. Myrtle provides a real-world connection between visitors and the larger marine environment.

Her story can encourage people to think about simple choices that can benefit the ocean, such as reducing single-use plastics, properly disposing of fishing line, avoiding litter, and supporting responsible marine conservation programs.

Interesting Facts About Myrtle the Sea Turtle

There are several reasons Myrtle has remained such a popular animal at the aquarium.

First, her age makes her exceptional. At more than 90 years old, she has lived through enormous changes in both human society and marine science.

Second, Myrtle is remarkably large. Green sea turtles can grow to substantial sizes, and Myrtle's size makes her easy for visitors to identify in the Giant Ocean Tank.

Third, she has been part of the New England Aquarium for more than 50 years. That means countless visitors have seen the same turtle during childhood and later returned with their own children.

Finally, Myrtle has become an educational ambassador for her species. Her presence helps aquarium educators explain sea turtle biology, ocean ecosystems, and conservation.

A Turtle With an Extraordinary Story

The question “How old is Myrtle the turtle?” has a fascinating answer. Myrtle is estimated to be more than 90 years old, although her exact age is not known. She has spent decades at the New England Aquarium and has become one of its best-known residents.

Myrtle the sea turtle offers a unique glimpse into the potential longevity of marine animals. Her long life also reminds us that protecting wildlife is a long-term responsibility. Healthy oceans provide essential habitats for sea turtles and countless other species.

For anyone interested in marine life, Myrtle's story is a wonderful example of how one animal can inspire curiosity, education, and conservation. Whether you are planning a visit to the New England Aquarium or simply interested in learning about sea turtles, Myrtle's remarkable life demonstrates just how extraordinary these ancient marine reptiles can be.