Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gabon 2008-09: Mayumba & Pongara, Leatherback Turtles

A project of Marine Turtle Research Group.

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Species: Leatherback
Life Stage: Adult
Gender: Female
Release Date: 2008-12-10 00:25:00
Release Location: Pongara National Park, Gabon
Last Location: 2009-04-17 01:01:27

Adoptive Parents:
Jonah Binstock
CUC RE Social Action Project 2009

Background

Ralph Waldo Emerson was the second leatherback turtle of the season to receive a satellite transmitter. She was encountered while nesting in Pongara National Park in the north of Gabon, which is very close to Gabon's capital city - Libreville. Following nesting and the attachment of the satellite transmitter she quickly moved into the waters of neighbouring Equatorial Guinea. She is now in her seasonal foraging grounds seeking out jellyfish prey.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was named by the children in grades K - 5 at Community Unitarian Church in White Plains, NY. Each year we raise funds to donate to a charity organization in order to help make the world a better place. This year we decided to help save animals at risk of extinction, and chose to help turtles in particular. We are naming our turtle after a famous Unitarian Universalist.