San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge has a residential group of approximately 60 protected Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles. No one knows how they got here, but it is assumed they were caught many decades ago in Mexico, brought to the bay alive, and escaped from fishing pens, prior to being slaughtered. They settled successfully in the bay due to waters that are artificially warmed by nearby industry.
This is the only area on the west coast of the US where green sea turtles are known to congregate and thrive.
These turtles are an endangered species due to habitat destruction, illegal poaching, inadvertent fish netting, boat strikes, and plastic ingestion.
San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the few safe sanctuaries for these peaceful and VERY large turtles. The largest turtle ever measured here weighed 530 lbs, which is the largest known green turtle in the Eastern Pacific.
There is a rehab, rescue and education center in the refuge, where injured and rescued native wildlife are cared for, including a small number of green sea turtles. The center provides education on the pressing need for conservation of native species and is open to visitors.
I was amazed at how friendly the turtles are!
They swim to the sides of their plexiglass tank to interact and seem genuinely happy to goof around with you!
Cheers to you from the magnificent, goofy & gregarious, seriously endangered Pacific Green Sea Turtles.
Do you want to imagine the world without them? Do you want the Trump administration to repeal existing environmental and vulnerable species protections?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
For more info: https://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?Division=PRD&ParentMenuId=212&id=4378
What beauties…
On behalf of the 🐢🐢🐢, I thank you!!!
Beautiful series of photos
love it very much !
The 🐢🐢🐢 and I are so glad you do!
Teenage mutant ninja turtle ha
Exactly! These 🐢🐢 grow big near industrial outflow! Great comparison. Thanks!
“Got any lettuce?” 🙂 EVERYONE must email, call, write as often as they can to protest any change to environmental protections! All Our Relations are counting on us!!!
I agree and hope that we can do even more, but don’t what that will look like now. I am signing petitions continuously. We do need to stand up to Putin’s President and we need to do it effectively.
Wonderful! 🙂 Fascinating photos.
The 🐢🐢🐢 and I thank you!
😉
Another endangered gorgeous creature. When will we learn to learn to respect every life form?
Probably right after it is irretrievably too late! 🐢
I fear so too.
These are such beautiful pictures – I wonder if they would make great swimming buddies?
My kids and I have swum with them in the wild. They are awesome to swim with! We have watched them on coral reefs get cleaned by tropical fish and have seen them eating jelly fish and diving mid-ocean. I love them! 🐢🐢
I am glad they found a place in US west cost to live. I like their eyes. They are big and round. That make them look so cute.
I had no idea they were so sociable and interactive. Animals are so much more intelligent than we like to admit! 🐢
Such beautiful, graceful and majestic creatures.
Thank you for seeing them as I do! 🐢🐢 <3
Your photos of these magnificent turtles are very beautiful, Cindy! It is fortunate that they colonized the abnormally warm waters due to human activity, giving them a refuge.
It is fascinating how nature finds a way around obstacles isn’t it. Scientists estimate the first green sea turtle may have been released in San Diego Bay in 1850! 🐢
Brava! Had to share…thank you for this.
Ahhhh, the 🐢🐢🐢 and I are grateful Laura! <3
We definitely need magical animals like this in our world. Thanks for sharing the photographs.
Thank you for knowing and caring! 🐢🐢 <3 <3
Beautiful.
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
Truly wonderful! And I never knew they got that big.
They are really big and the photos can’t really communicate the size!
Pretty creatures, Cindy. It’s hard to get an idea of how huge they are. I’ve scuba dived with sea turtles, smaller ones, and it’s amazing how graceful they are. You’re right about their natural playfulness and curiosity. I hope their numbers increase.
They are amazingly beautiful to swim with aren’t they and so BIG that when you first see them you are scared until you see how peaceful they are. They don’t breed in the bay and the status of all ocean swimming big turtles is precarious, They keep getting caught in nets and suffocating on plastic.
So sad. 🙁
Yes.
Gorgeous creatures!
Thank you! I love think so too. 🐢🐢
Beautiful turtles… These together with others like the leatherbacks and hawksbills come to nest on our islands every year…
So incredible! I would love to see the hatching which I never have. I have seen the nests, but never the hatching. The size of the leatherbacks is just remarkable. They are like massive living dinosaurs. How wonderful to have them around you! 🐢🐢
Yes it’s marvelous I once saw a leatherback about the size of a car, that was amazing… Thanks for sharing the pics 🙂
Lovely photos Cindy.
Leslie
The 🐢🐢🐢 and I thank you!
😉
Cindy, thanks for using your vast network of followers to highlight an environmental issue.
Thank you more for noticing and caring! 🐢 <3
Thank you for bringing this into our radar Cindy! Also great pics as usual – until you mentioned the tank, I thought you were swimming right there with them!
I wish! I have never seen them when swimming in San Diego waters, however I have in tropical seas. I would be thrilled out of my gourd to swim with them in San Diego! 🐢🐢
omgoddess…i’m in love with these turtles!!! such pristine pics!!!
Aren’t they just awesome creatures! I could not get over how much they wanted to play, goof around, and interact! This really surprised me, although it shouldn’t anymore, animals are so much more sentient than we are comfortable admitting. So happy you love them too! Thank you~ 🐢🐢
i loved swimming with them in Hawaii and Maui…just awesome buddies!! they r the navigators according to Polynesian legends…
Let’s hope that dismantling environmental laws will be lower on the list so that sufficient people can be rallied.
I suppose bad things can yield positive outcomes if people get mobilized and concerned enough. It is our only world after all and they turtles are ancient creatures. 🐢🐢
and they deserve so much more…
<3 🐢
It’s too bad these turtles are endangered species. 🙂
Sad. We need to do a much better job caring for this planet and all the people and creatures on it. <3
As a native San Diegan, I had no idea this refuge existed! Thanks for the tip… I’ll go check it out. I too am wary of the incoming administration and its short-sighted, ill-conceived goals.
I first went here in 1989 with my son in a stroller! I am a native La Jollan and I remember as a kid restaurants had live turtles on their backs waiting for slaughter because turtle meat apparently only tasted good fresh. It bothered me so much to see these up-ended turtles waving their legs unable to turn over. Thinking of it still bugs me. It is worth a visit to the refuge because it is a unique ecosystem right in the midst of all the industrial blight and don’t feel bad about not knowing of it, it’s small and not a well known place.
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
Conservation of the environment and wildlife has always been important to me. With the new administration coming in and set to repeal necessary protections, it is more important than ever. I’d hate to see a world without these magnificent turtles, among other species!
Thank you for knowing, caring and sharing my friend. <3 These are such ancient creatures that swim up to 1500 miles a year. I want them to stay and thrive on this planet, not be annihilated by human ignorance. 🐢🐢
Agreed – they are fascinating, wonderful, beautiful creatures! It’s frustrating that human ignorance still contributes to the endangerment of these, and other, fantastic critters.
We are in complete accord. 🐢 <3
Beautiful pictures of these stunning creatures that we have to preserve whatever it costs.
Thank you! Yes!! We do! <3 <3 🐢🐢
They are so majestic and peaceful, can’t understand why anyone would ever harm them. Beautiful shots 🙂
Gentle, playful, ancient deep sea giants. I so agree with you. Thank you! 🐢🐢 <3 <3
Thank you so much for sharing your photos of these beautiful beings with us! In my past, when I lived closer to the ocean, had the opportunity to spend time with beings like this and it is very humbling. They are very wise.
Wonderful that you can know this and I agree with you. Their navigational abilities alone are beyond remarkable. They travel thousands of miles and return to the same nesting spot year after year if they are able to survive. Remarkable creatures. 🐢🐢
Impressive and beautiful creatures Cindy. How long are they, maybe a meter / 3 feet perhaps?
I would guess bigger than that, 4.5 feet maybe? They are not full grown, but their size is still impressive! 🐢🐢
I love these! We must not allow Wall Street greed and an ignorant president to care she these beauties to die out. Vigilance is the key word.
Thank you for saying just what I feel. Putin’s president should not be allowed to wreck our country or the world! 🐢🐢
What a beauty, I love your photos.
Visa versa 2UX2! I love all your birds and your photos my friend~
Ah, lovely!
I love purple who think 🐢🐢 are lovely! <3
Great post, Cindy. Green sea turtles are so wonderful but also vulnerable, it’s great to hear about the SD Bay refuge. Your photos reflect the beauty and wisdom of this remarkable creature, and your words are appreciated for emphasizing the importance of their survival. Thanks so much.
Aww, thank you my friend for being a friend of this planet and all the people and creatures on it! 🐢🐢🌎🌎 <3 <3
I was going to make a disparaging remark about the soon to be Trump administration but thought better of it. But since you asked, we have no idea how many years of progress we will be set back by him and his cohorts who don’t believe in public education, the right to choose, endangered species, climate change, preservation of natural resources and on and on. Nothing will be safe except for the worst of capitalism. Obviously I’m anti-Trump. But I’m pro-turtle!
And the 🐢🐢 the🌎 and I love you for it! Thank you my friend. These are dangerous times~ <3
I feel like any day there could be a knock on my door….
I hear you and I think you have good reason to feel this way~
Cindy: I just listed a rehab for turtles in Boca Raton-Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. We actually witnessed medic taking a fishing hook out of the mouth of one. It was sad and yet hopeful that these creatures are being found, rescued and cared for. The photos are stunning!
Yes, hope floats! Thank you for sharing the info on Boca Raton’s 🐢rescue. The people, creatures, and 🌎, need our help, our concern and our active love. <3
meant visited not listed
Just remember I am the queen of the typos and I have never met a typo I don’t respect! <3
Schildkröten sind sooooo interessante Tiere und deine Fotos wie immer ganz große Klasse !!!
Ihre Freundlichkeit und Ausgeglichenheit wird sehr geschatzt! Vielen Dank! 🐢
🐢
🙂 Die zwei sind auch nett 🙂
<3 <3
The turtles are very cute. I wanted you to know that I’ve featured you in my latest post. I would appreciate it if you checked it out!
https://memyselfandthecamera.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/10-amazing-photography-bloggers-you-have-to-see/
So massive and so pretty!
Melanie
http://www.adventure57.com
Wonderful to see them in water and swimming! Cool captures.
Thank you for the post, Cindy. 🙂
Thank you for appreciating the 🐢🐢 Amy & cheers to you!
Great photos of beautiful creatures. We keep trying to educate but it seems to be going out one ear into someones pocket. Don’t even get me started on that sociopath. I’m trying to feel better since the election and am needing to keep the TV off to keep my blood pressure down. We have lost so much to greed that it’s heart wrenching.
A psychiatrist I respect wrote a piece recommending watching the news once a week to prevent the depression, anger and anxiety befalling his patients post the Trumpest. Stella Resnick, a sex therapist in LA has published on “The Trump Effect,” which is a decline in sexual desire among her married female patient’s since the Trumpest’s election. They are feeling rather put off men I guess. So you are not alone by a long shot. I just think of Trump as Putin’s president and we are all going to get a taste of soviet life, God help us!
I see a Hitler reincarnate. You have no idea how frightened I was. I’m trying to focus on the good in the world. I tape the news and watch fast forward with no sound. I see what I need to and let the rest vanish. A lot of good people voted for him thinking he would make it better. Oh, well. Glad I’m old and have no grandchildren. 🙁
I hear you and I know that there are so many of us fighting despondency over how far backwards we are sliding. Hugs to you and it is not over yet! Not by a long shot! <3 <3
How wonderful to see these beautiful turtles. I’m so excited about it. Thank you so much. And I think we should put trump in polluted water for about, um 80 years and let the turtles stay safe. He’s pretty much uneducated and insane.
“put trump in polluted water for about, um 80 years and let the turtles stay safe.”
This of course, is why the 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢, and I, and all thinking, feeling people, on this planet love you! <3 <3
Superb photos Cindy.
Sad to hear that these great turtles are endangered, but like many other creatures of the wild, unless dedicated people make the effort to protect them, we’ll probably end up with another extinct species.
Pathetic isn’t it. I wonder what the results would be if an effort were made to measure the human species cumulative impact on this planet, both good and bad. I suspect I may know the direction the results would lead and they are not complementary to our species.
Beautiful turtle, fabulous captures!
I don’t want that man to do anything. I want to wake up in an alternate reality. Thank you for asking 😉
You and me both. Westworld would be better than this reality!
I haven’t watched it, but I’ll take your word.
<3
And they never worry about losing weight as a New Years resolution!! Such beautiful creatures! We live within miracles.
Unlike yours truly who is still trying to lose my gift of the Christmas 3, bah Humbug!!! 😉
Hugs!! Heading out for my walk. The scale is being its usual contrary self.
*#+&% scale!!!! 😉
I’d love to see these beautiful creatures continue to be protected, for sure. I had the distinct and amazing pleasure of swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii in several places where we snorkeled. They were unperturbed by our presence and just swam alongside us.
Yes, it is amazing isn’t it. Gentle, calm, curious, giants. To swim with them is to love them! 🐢
Love!
Alison
<3
Pingback: Turtle Sanctuary in San Diego |
I have two (much smaller) turtles of my own and they are such colourful characters and follow us around like Puppies, they are cheeky, playful and so much fun. I can only imagine them as giant sea turtles lol. Amazing pics Cindy
I had a desert tortoise as a kid. They are almost extinct now where they used to thrive. They are such fun!
a desert tortoise? wow I didn’t realise there was even such a thing? How do they cope, aren’t they amphibian?
Tortoises and turtles are both reptiles. Tortoises like the giant Galapagos tortoise, and a variety of other tortoises are land dwellers, turtles are aquatic or semi aquatic. They are the same family, but one lives on land, the other mostly in water.
mmmmm yes you are quite right, my turtles mostly spend all their time in the water, I have never really known a tortoise
These could be some of the best close-ups of sea turtles I’ve ever seen. thanks for moving in and getting the best shots!
Ah thank you! It truly was a huge challenge. The tanks were extremely scratched and not at all clear, so your comments mean a lot to me. Thank you!
Beautiful!
Thank you! All creatures great & small are such~
You’re welcome. I agree. Blessings and peace!😊💖✌
<3
Like our endangered friends , this election is a reminder not to take for granted what we hold so dear – and when it is threatened, to stand up and fight. Beautiful photos – as always.
Yes. It is indeed time to draw a line on the ground and stand our ground. We did not elect this man to be president. He is Putin’s president.
The turtle-friendly “waters that are artificially warmed by nearby industry” are among the RARE examples of unintended consequences that are welcome rather then unwelcome. Many more of the usual kind are on the way, as Trumpery picks up speed.
Yes exactly. The same thing happened at The San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant. The warm outflow supported non-resident marine life. It is an unintended consequence. In the case of the turtles it is positive since they are so endangered.
Okay, I’ve figured it out. There has to be some kind of magnet inside you that calls to all animals and birds or whatever the critter may be, and when you come around they can’t help but come close and photogenically pose for your camera.
AND to pose in absolutely no way that is a threat to you or your well being. It’s not unlike the phenomena of the “pied piper.” So I’m changing your previous title from Bird Queen to Critter Queen!!! Love and hugs, N 🙂 <3
Oh I am smiling! I wish it were so. I do sometimes feel that wild animals are interested in me because I am an odd creature to them. I have this strange camera with no tripod and this adjustable telephoto lens that is always plastered against my face. They often seem to stare directly into the lens as if they are fascinated by it attached to this moving creature and are not sure precisely what I sort of creature I am. Laughing….. Whatever, it works and I love them. Thank you for making me smile!
Yeppers you’re a magnet for sure! Not to mention a sweet lady and lovely friend‼️❌⭕️
Okay, now I’m laughing. You are a joy to so many of us Natalie! I am so lucky to know you~ <3
Awwwww thanks Cindy! I feel very blessed to know you and to be able to have some fun and make you smile and/or laugh! Have a great week missy❣️😥
You too my friend and I look forward to sharing 2017 with you! <3
And I with you! Wouldn’t miss it for the world‼️❌⭕️
Back at you, with gratitude too~ <3
Well said, Natalie! 🙂
Thank you Dina for your positive presence. It is much appreciated!
Thanks Dina! 😊❤️
Wow what a nice turtle!
There was an even bigger one. But he rarely came up for air!
Did you see these turtles at the Living Coast Discovery Center? Or somewhere else?
Yes, part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife refuge. My next post is on the center.
Awesome! I’ve intended to go there for the longest time!
Well definitely go! I would love to see your post. it is a small operation. Not impressive entertainment wise, unless you care about they are trying to do. I have lived here all my life and I never knew until recently, that turtles escaped the horrid scene I saw them subjected to in restaurants when I was young. It is so incredible they established their own place in the San
Diego Bay. This is the most amazing thing to me~
I will one day…
I’m turtle-ly amazed by these endangered species, my friend! ಥ‿ಥ
They are 🐢ly cool critters aren’t they! <3
I am glad you mentioned they were goofy and playful – I would have never guessed it from their expression 😀 Or maybe they dont wear their heart on their sleeves? Lovely photos Cindy, thank you for giving us another priceless glimpse and insight.
Awww, thank you much more for appreciating the 🐢🐢🐢!
🙂
Fantastic series, Cindy. What fabulous creatures. I was a “turtle lady” in SC for many years and loved every minute. (Loggerheads) Thanks for these great close-ups.
Oh how wonderful that must have been! Did you read, “The Wildest Woman in America,” about the turtle lady of Cumberland island? Remarkable lifetime commitment to turtle conservation.
I have not, but will look it up. It is magical to see the babies hatching at sunrise. Great memories.
I have never seen this and would love to!
Thanks for the tip!
Ahhh beautiful! We witnessed turtles laying eggs on ths sand when we lived in Nicaragua and we are apparently going to see them here in Sri Lanka soon, as it is the breeding season
Lovely photos, blissful post. Thanks!
Peta.
Well, then, you know more than I, they are magic. Magical, very ancient creatures. I would love to see them in both those places~
…Dream of a flight!
Always dream!
Aren’t they beautiful? You got really great photo’s too. I thought at first you were out for a swim with them or something…LOL ! I don’t know if I should have an opinion about Trump but it’s not a favourable one and that’s putting it mildly. Maybe he’ll get repealed? One can hope. Gah! I can’t see him running the country for the next four years. You’re going to have to fire him. Oh Cindy, is it all a bad dream? xo K
Yes, it’s all a very bad dream. But, unfortunately, it’s one we can’t wake up from. I love what JK Rowlings said when someone told her not to criticize Trump because she was British and it was “None of her business.”
She said, “He has access to the nuclear codes, you better believe it’s my business!”
Love that too!
<3
Is this the same type of turtle often found in Hawaiian waters? I recall the first time I saw a giant, green turtle, head poking up from the water like a periscope beside a startled body boarder to get a view of the human who was just chilling in the water. Funny and cute!
By the way, any mention of turtles makes me think of that “I like turtles” boy who became an internet sensation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y Yep, what he said, plain and simple!
That is my kinda kid! He goes off script! I love how the reporter was totally at a loss. Cracking up…..thank you for sharing this Lynn. Hilarious! 🐢🐢
I’ve seen turtles in the wild when I was diving off the Maldives. I was rather charmed by their propensity to crap at you if they became startled and wished to flee unpursued 🙂
Laughing….. smart 🐢🐢! Lots of sea creatures do this. Whales when they breech for tourists giving them those great shots with a little something extra! Penguins projectile vomit on you if they don’t like you. And birds, well birds, have such wonderful opportunities for revenge! Cracking up…..
Also in the Maldive I got divebombed by a pair of terns when I got too near their nestsite. Fortunately I was in the sea at the time and had a quick sluice off. I can tell you that tern crap smells like something from beyond the grave.
You should never sit under a tree with pelicans in it. I learned this the hard way. As you say, at least you can bolt quickly into the sea. Laughing…..
I’ll bear that in mind. I guess that anything that lives on a diet of raw fish is going to be a bit smelly at the other end. 😉
Hopefully no human’s who consist only on sushi and ceviche are going to read this!
Well on the human side it’s not likely to be an issue unless you have some very specialised sexual proclivities. 😉
These turtles almost look like they’d have their own little personalities. And I guess they would.
There is a folk story about a sea turtle in Japan – a fisherman, Taro, one day saved a Sea Turtle from a group of naughty children and released it back to the sea. Some time after, a turtle appeared before Taro, thanked him for saving its life, and wished to invite him to visit an underwater paradise. Turtle took Taro on its back, and it turns into a beautiful woman as they arrived at the paradise. Taro spent some time at the paradise, which was all about pleasure and luxury, however he eventually asked the woman if she would take him back to the shore; that he needed to go home. She gave Taro a box of gift, and made Taro promise never to open the box. Upon return, Taro realises that he had been gone for hundreds of years and he no longer knew a person in his old fishing village. He desperately looked for any familiarity, and finally, could not resist opening the box . When he opened to look inside the box, all it came out was smoke. And the smoke turned Taro into a very old man.
Wow! That gives me goosebumps! What an amazing story. What should Taro have done I wonder, never go with the turtle, or stay forever in paradise under the sea? Remarkable Maiko. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Interesting message, isn’t it? Those were the questions I was asked when I was young as well. I did not know the answer. I still don’t think I do. May be it is teaching that good deed should not be done in expectation for a return. Either way, I am glad you found it interesting Cindy.
It also makes you think about how paradise, after too long, might become confining. It is quite a thought provoker isn’t it.
Yes, indeed. And Taro chose ‘home’ over the paradise. It certainly is thought provoking.
You are thought provoking Maiko. Thank you for being you and letting me know you.
<3<3<3 Right back to you Cindy! Thanks millions.
<3
Great photos, Cindy. They look like they are enjoying themselves!
I hope they are. I’d rather they be in the ocean, but at least they are safe here~
Absolutely 🙂
Great shots, Cindy. Of course they should be protected
Amen! 🐢
What lovely creatures…
🐢🐢🐢 are! And they thank you!
They are beautiful and fascinating creatures like all other mammals. I did not know of the repeals in place or considered, but hope it can be saved or reversed to allow these creatures and others endangered to be saved, cared for and preserved.
All creatures great and small, wise and wonderful! It’s our job to protect them. Thank you Joyce~ 🐢
Great photos.
I will be interested to see how a person without political experience deals with the US civil service. I think they will probably run rings round him. I hope. 🙂
Hope springs eternal in the human heart, even when trumped by Putins’ new president~
The world has gone all tops-turvy.
Perhaps Trump thinks he can use business skills to get the better of Putin. Putin must be laughing at the thought.
I think it’s probable that in all the confusion very little will get done. We (the world) will just put you (USA) on hold while we check with a supervisor. 😀 😀
Laughing……Oh how I wish that would work!!!
“Excuse me US, we are going to put you on hold for four years until we can speak with a supervisor, or you get a new president.”
You crack me up……
Patient: Doctor, doctor I think I’m cracking up.
Doctor: Pull yourself together.
Tee Hee. 😀
Thanks Cindy! I had no idea there was a turtle sanctuary in S. CA. Your photos are beautiful and make me want to swim and play with the turtles!
Yes, the only problem is the area of the bay where they live is heavily impacted by industry and I doubt it would make for pleasant swimming.
Now you have a very big responsibility so that green turtles and other precious animals may also be protected in the future!!:) Thank you Cindy, for your great post. Cari saluti
Exactly! Thank you for your thougtful comment Martina~
Trump and his administration are gonna be a disaster on every level. 🙁
Yes, and time is just ticking towards take-off…….
🙁 🙁 🙁
I love turtles and anyone who rescues them. I have rescued some in our area (walking across the road from the pond) and those beaks can really bite! Lovely shots, Cindy. 🐢
Maybe they were snapping turtles. I have heard they pack quite a crunch! Our tortoises would never bite~ 🐢🐢
They make a lot of noise while mating though. I was quite surprised the first time I heard tortoises gettin’ hot.
Oh my God, I can’t believe you mentioned this. I took my kids and some friends to the zoo when they were little and the tortoises were going at it, gasping and carrying on, one little boy Kenny, reached over the enclosure and started petting the strenuously involved male tortoise on the head crying “Help him, help him! He’s having trouble breathing!”
No lie! This happened! I almost popped trying to contain my laughter~
LOL! That is so funny – my cats used to squeak at my husband to make him stop hurting mommy!
Laughing……
Hi friend
Your living my Bucket List! Good for you, fresh air, salt and nature of from of your eyes is a miracle of life.
Xx M
Awww, I hope you fulfill every item on your bucket list, and the extra ones you add as you start ticking them off! <3
Cindy, dear friend, I very much appreciate your speaking out about the dangers we face with a Trump administration. Your bravery has not gone unnoticed. 💖 And it goes without saying how much I appreciate your beautiful photography … 💖
You are a light in my life Tina! Thank you for your kindness & thoughtfulness and I so look forward to sharing 2017 with you! <3 <3
The feeling is mutual, Cindy 💖
I love turtles and feel so badly for their precarious livelihood. Your post and photos made me smile! 💜I didn’t know there wasn’t wildlife refuge there…will have to put that on my to-visit list!
Don’t expect a lot of bells and whistles. It is a very small operation. The 🐢🐢 and I thank you for your support! <3
Wonderful post, Cindy, as always! Beautiful creatures, and as you say, all living creatures are important to our planet and the biodiversity. In Scandinavia we are absolutely terrified of what Trump might destroy…It is not only America…it is concerning the whole world. We were overjoyed when Meryl Streep spoke out and so many other celebrities do. Now we are waiting for the interviews with his new “crew”. His taking over will be a disastrous blow to nature and environmental restoring and preserving. Anyway – I love your speaking out and standing up for nature. We all must. ♥♥♥
Trump’s impact will affect the entire planet. He has already stated his intentions regarding the environment:
http://time.com/4349309/donald-trump-bismarck-energy-speech/
These are darkening days ahead for all of us. I wonder if we will be more effective in resistance than we were in WWII.
Give it a try.
That is all we can do isn’t it!
I love these pictures. Thanks for taking them and telling us about the turtles. They’re really something.
I love you for loving the 🐢🐢🐢! <3
Turtles, turtles rah, rah, rah! Oh, I love turtles. And I am talking about the real ones. Not those sickly sweet chocolate variety. These gentle giants are beautiful. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to slaughter them. Thanks for these awesome pictures, Cindy!
We need more people like you in the world Lydia. The 🐢🐢🐢 and I thank you my friend and send cheers to you! <3
😀
Reblogged this on Breeze of Optimism and commented:
There is a folk story about a sea turtle in Japan.
A fisherman, Taro, one day saved a Sea Turtle from a group of naughty children and released it back to the sea.
Some time after, a turtle appeared before Taro, thanked him for saving its life, and wished to invite him to visit an underwater paradise. Turtle took Taro on its back, and it turns into a beautiful woman as they arrived at the paradise. Taro spent some time at the paradise, which was all about pleasure and luxury, however he eventually asked the woman if she would take him back to the shore; that he needed to go home. She gave Taro a box of gift, and made Taro promise never to open the box.
Upon return, Taro realises that he had been gone for hundreds of years and he no longer knew a person in his old fishing village. He desperately looked for any familiarity, and finally, could not resist opening the box . When he opened to look inside the box, all it came out was smoke. And the smoke turned Taro into a very old man.
On behalf of the 🐢🐢🐢🐢, and myself, sincere gratitude Maiko for your kindness and your advocacy. Be well my friend~ <3
💜💚💛🐢🐢🐢💜💛
Who wouldn’t swim with such thrilling joy in such clean waters – beautiful shots Cindy. Love them absolutely <3
And I love you for it! Cheers to you my friend~ <3
alles Gute für Heute trotz Sturm und Schnee über Deutschland und bei euch?
Ja. Wir haben einer langen Dürre in Kalifornien. Es regnet gerade. Das ist sehr gut fur uns. Wir sind Anfang April wieder in Deutschland und freuen uns darauf. Prost zu dir mein lieber Freund ~
They are indeed large turtles. When in Maui, I had the opportunity to swim with these guys. They would come right up underneath me and swim along. Turtles swim much faster than they walk. LOL. They can be very playful.
They are wonderful to swim with aren’t they! So graceful and powerful in the water and you noticed their curiosity and interactiveness. So happy you had this experience!
Dear Cindi, I love this big guy.. off to share him on my sherris sharing.. so sorry have been gone so long.. sweet friend
Sherri
Hope all is well with you Sherri & thank you for your thoughtfulness! Look forward to spending 2017 with you my friend~ <3
Reblogged this on and commented:
he is great…
The 🐢🐢🐢 and I are very grateful Sherri! <3
Cindy – You do know how to ask the hard questions don’t you? I’ve been for protecting the environment and all endangered species before we even had an agency that’s supposedly doing such a thing. However, like most agencies, it’s run by a group of contractors who get paid rather they do anything or not or know anything or not.
I’m picking my battles one at a time this year, but picking them, I am. Needless to say, I’m after healthcare first but what’s good health without the appropriate atmosphere to live in and therefore our need for these majestic sea turtles you’ve so aptly brought to our attention.
I’ve had enough of a do nothing government so let’s see if the DC swamp can be drained. It looks to me like the cabinet posts are being filled by more of the same! It’s no surprise to me it took so long to fill the Secretary of the VA position. No one wanted the position. Happy New Year my magical lady.
At least we have the otters back in your beloved Carmel and Monterey. We are heading up to see the elephant seals and California Condors in Big Sur as soon as the rain clears. (Yay for the rain! Poor California needed it so!) There has been progress on vulnerable species protections with these species as examples. Otters were extinct throughout my lifetime in the state until Monterey Aquarium re-introduced them, and the elephant seals were practically non-existent. Now we have breeding colonies of both. California Condors are another success story, saved from the brink in the state, thanks to the Condor Restoration Program. Bald Eagles are back too, thanks to the efforts of The Channel Islands Bald Eagle Restoration Project. There is still so much more though that needs to be done and whatever we do we cannot go backwards and remove protections for vulnerable species and habitats. You fight for healthcare Sherri and I’ll fight for this, and we can support each others efforts in the process. Hugs to you my friend~ <3
Cindy, Thank you for helping save all that makes Monterey/Carmel magical. Without the living sea creatures you mention above, we wouldn’t have the magic that makes the Central Coast what it is. I often here the Sea Lions bark in my dreams. Working on Fort Ord, I could walk out the back door of my office and listen to them bark. On Pier II there’s a restaurant made from a hulled out ship [Sandollar or something along that line – best Rebeun in Monterey] and you could look out your window and watch the sea lions and otters playing. I think I here Heaven calling my name. I pray Tom will heal enough to make 1 more trip to the area but I just don’t know. I will return!
Goregous captures of the turtles, Cindy. They are so cute and look so friendly, I’d love to swim with them. <3
Thank you for sharing the interesting narrative, dear friend! 🙂
They are pretty magical to swim with. So gentle, so graceful and so BIG!!! I appreciate knowing you Dina and value the thoughtful way you visit me. Be well my friend~ <3
Beautiful post Cindy <3
Muchas gracias mi amiga~
Reblogged this on Still Another Photoblog.
The 🐢🐢🐢 and I are grateful to you my friend! Cheers & thank you~
You are welcome!
<3
You are welcome!
What curious animals– why do they seem old and smart?? Looks like they live in a comfortable setting. Thanks for giving us a peek Cindy with your always awesome photography!!
They do seem both old and smart! Maybe it is because they are an ancient species and carry the wisdom of the ages! 🐢🐢
And because they move slowly and deliberately?? In any care– wonderful photos like always Cindy!! xox
Turtley true! 🐢
ha ha ha!
As a non-American it is not up to me to criticize your president to be – even if I try to follow the news there and here… but somehow I do wish someone would just ‘magic’ him away… :-/
Lovely photos! And lovely animals!… 🙂
“Magic him away!” I like that and you do have a right to speak up because you are a citizen of the world and his actions will affect all of us on this planet. <3
That’s what we are all afraid of, arent we?…
<3
Yes.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Amazing photographs of Green Sea Turtles in San Diego.. having survived hundreds of thousands of years man is doing his best to make them extinct.. Great that there are still places they are safe.. Cindy Knoke with yet another compelling post.. wonderful
You are the most consistently thoughtful and generous blogger Sally. The 🐢🐢🐢 and I love and are grateful for you! <3
That gives me great pleasure Cindy.. your friendships is very important. ♥
<3 <3
Bonjour ou Bonsoir ★* *★ CINDY joli la faune aquatique
Ce jour
J’écoute Le Vent
Me souffler des mots puissants et attachants
A mon oreille il est venu me murmurer
Des élans d’amitié avec des envies de liberté
Me dire combien notre amitié compte entre toi et moi
Une Amitié avec un grand A
je te souhaite une excellente journée ou soirée’
Une douce belle journée si je suis de journée
Ou une tendre nuit si mon passage est du soir
Gros bisous
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/935239jeune.gif
Bernard
Merci beaucoup mon ami Bernard. Bonne journee!
The pictures are incredible. Did you take them? Trump’s philosophy on the environment and global warming, as in other areas, is seriously concerning. Who knows where we’ll be headed in the next four years? Troubling. Happy New Year. Smiles xx
Well we certainly will find out. There are a lot of checks and balances built into the system which hopefully will work as they should, but you are right, it is seriously concerning. I did take the photos and I am glad you enjoyed them and am pleased to meet you~
You are an amazing photographer, Cindy!
You are very kind. <3
Cindy, you have captured the personalities of these turtles so well! I especially love the expression of the one who is raising his/her ‘arms’ in victory that a talented photographer like you has photographed them!
Smiling at such a creative & sweet comment! Thank you so much & cheers to you~
Amazing photos. It’s almost as though they’re posing for you! <3
I think they were! Smart 🐢🐢!
Lol 🙂
I photographed turtle nests last summer in St George Island FL. Volunteers were protecting them. Great post
I have seen the nests, but never the hatching. I would love to see the hatching! 🐢
Worrying times protecting beautiful creatures such as these shouldn’t be a question it should be a certainty. Lovely photos Cindy you are so talented. 🙂
I so agree that protecting all creatures great and small should be “certainty!” Thank you Marje for your kind, thoughtfulness~ 🐢🐢
Very beautiful pictures of beautiful creatures, Cindy. It looks like Mr Turtle is dancing for you. Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend 🙂 <3
They were dancing 🐢🐢! Love this imagery! <3
They are indeed magnificent, Cindy. I hope they will be safe from harm. A very interesting post.
The 🐢🐢 and I thank you Cynthia & cheers to you my friend~
It is my experience that we get what we focus on. It does not matter if it is positive or negative. Beautiful amazing creatures surround you because you have focused your life on the beautiful and amazing. Trump was elected because those who wanted him elected and many of those who did NOT want him elected focused their attention on him — incessantly. So I will support you in the desire for maintaining and enhancing the notion that ALL living creatures deserve to live peaceful, harmonious, healthy lives.It may sound like just a rearranging of words to say this rather than fighting against Trump repealing the environmental protection laws. But the statements will bring about two very different results. Peace and thank you for bringing beauty and amazement to my day.
Intriguing & interesting way of looking at the world. I do very much agree with you that focusing on the beauty and the amazing things around you makes you happier and more able to perceive more of the beauty around you. And I also agree with you that all living things deserve “peaceful, harmonious lives.” But I wonder what the American slaves, or WWII concentration camp internees, or parents who have children who die of cancer, and so many more people who suffer so terribly and unfairly, would say about their focus bringing about their results? They certainly didn’t get what (they) focused on.
These people certainly did not get what they deserved. To me the Law of Attraction is non-judgmental. To explain this I’m working on a few blog posts to explain why bad things can happen to good people. No matter if we agree. I am glad that you focus so much of your time on bringing beauty to the world. <3
Thank you for such a level headed response. It’s not important to me that people agree with me. I values diversity of people, values, beliefs and practices. I don’t want everyone to agree with me or vis versa. I am glad that you share acceptance of divergent belief. I find your philosophy interesting and agree with parts of it. Hugs to you my friend~ <3
Hugs to you too. It would be a pretty boring world if all agreed with everyone about everything. As you say it is not important we agree, it is important we accept divergent beliefs. Peace.
Hope the rain is falling in just the right amount in the Holler.
Yes. It is the epitome of mutual respect! Bless the rain! It is falling~
They are just so beautiful. I love, love, love them 🙂 It would be the worst tragedy if they were no longer afforded protection D:
We are turtley in accord! 🐢🐢
What characters … beautifully captured Cindy 💛
They are wonderful aren’t they! So playful~ <3 🐢
Like so many other species, these great turtles are also listed among endangered species. Such a pity! We are doing so much harm to Mother Nature… 🙁
We are and there is no excuse for it because we know what we are doing. 🐢 <3
That’s true!
They are so beautiful and your images so true that I ache for them and the world. 🙁
I resonate strongly. Last night I woke up dreaming of nuclear war.
Reblogged this on penpowersong.
<3 🐢
This is amazing, Cindy 🙂
You captured the turtle like she make gymnastics exercises :))
Mo-hugs and kisses <3
🐢 kisses back 2U my friend~ <3
<3
Outstanding captures of these beautiful creatures … and cheers to the sanctuary.
The 🐢🐢 and I thank you my friend & cheers to you~
Thank you for sharing these beautiful creatures. I’d love to take my daughter to see them one day. Thank you for the inspiration.
Go during the week and they will play with her at the sides of the tank. I took my kids here when they were little. Wonderful place for children~ 🐢
Awe! Thank you for the tip!
<3
Stunning photos of these gentle and beautiful creatures. I love turtles – I love all wildlife, flora, and nature. We are the caretakers of our planet and must protect all endangered species. It is not only our duty but a mandate. I am thankful for the sanctuary and for the information you shared.
You are a sweetheart and I am lucky to know you. Hugs to you and thank you too~ 🐢 <3
Super images Cindy.
Are you aware of Ocean Cleanup’s efforts? Find them on FB to see/support their efforts…out of the Netherlands…this group deserves massive support and Trump cannot interfere…I recently saw photos of beached/stranded turtles engulfed in fishing lines…a true crime and horrible death for these wonderful sea creatures. Diane
It is horrible to see creatures ensnared in our drift nets, plastic beer can holders, the massive plastic wastelands in the oceans, over fishing. We were in Antarctica and the sea creatures came up to us totally unafraid and then we saw the whalers come with their booming harpoons killing the minke whales we were playing with just a few minutes ago. Ocean Cleanup sounds wonderful!
What magnificent creatures! Thank you for the wonderful pictures. <3
Thank you more for such very kind appreciation & cheers to you~
My pleasure, milady. 🙂
Thank you so much. <3
<3
Simply beautiful, Cindy! I am happy these turtles have a sanctuary…just like we have one here in Clearwater Marine Aquarium/Hospital. One of the things I am most afraid of with the incoming administration is an eventual relaxation and roll-back of environmental protections.
This and the possibility of wwIII wake me up at night. Sad times ~
Those wake me up too, plus the already ongoing repeal of ACA, which is likely to hit hard so many of our fellow human beings, especially those who are already sick, the self-employed and those working in small enterprises. I know many of them. So sad.
I know it is devolving. It is hard to imagine the type of human heart that wishes to deny medical care to people who need it.
Você sempre me surpreendendo. Lindas fotos!
Gracias querida amiga!
Cindy, I can rarely find a mean bone in my body, or a nasty thought in my head, but, if Trump really does do everything he tweets about or says on TV, I really think he should be put in a secure tank, with special protection orders, not as an endangered species but as an endangering one. There, I have said my piece; now I better wash my mouth out with soap on behalf of all the words I said but didn’t dare print. 😀
I feel the same struggle you are feeling. I don’t want to get pulled into negativity but I woke up last night dreaming of nuclear war. I have never dreamed of nuclear war.
Neither have I, but I have worried about the possibility since I was a little girl. Maybe I am just a worrier. 🙁
I used to be quite a worrier and am less so now, at least I used to be less so, but I have noticed a significant increase lately, unfortunately. Towards the end of the Vietnam war I used to worry intensely about people I loved getting drafted, now these sorts of worries, after decades of peaceful slumber are returning. Thank you Mr. Trump.
Sigh….. and I am sure Mr Trump has no trouble sleeping at all. Arrgh.
Well, actually he is a chronic insomniac. Sleeps at most 4 hours a night. Maybe he should start to ask himself why? Maybe there is a conscience in there yearning to get out~
Ha!
My Dear Cindy,
Your photos are gorgeous, but the info you impart is sad.
What is wrong with us? i do believe the planet is treacherously overpopulated.
Your photos may be all that is left one day. TY for taking them! xx
There really is a divide between two groups of people on this planet, those who wish to save lives and prevent suffering in both human and animals, and those who are insensitive to taking lives and are unconcerned with other creature’s suffering. Now the divide is becoming very clear, especially in the US.
I don’t understand the insensitivity, but I accept that it exists. I don’t understand Trump, but he exists.
Precisely.
T liked these. =)
Makes me happy to know! You sound like such a good mom~ 🐢
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Thanks for sharing this captivating post. Did the same. 🙂
Thank you more for supporting the turtles!
Gorgeous photos as always, Cindy! I don’t believe I’ve seen turtles from such closeup angles before. It’s very interesting, and it’s breathtaking how beautiful these creatures are.
Awww, so great to hear from you Halim! I hope all is well with you and thank you too!
Love those glass sided pools for aquatic critters.
Oscar
It was so intensely scratched by kids and smeared that the photos were a significant challenge!
But, grand that kids are getting something other than pixels and screen time. Hurrah, for live animals.
Oscar