Save the whales. Save the tigers. Save the seals. Save the turtles. Save the silverbacks. One wonders if there’s an end to the list of species that require saving. Sadly, when there’s no more list, there will be no more wondering — if we refuse to help our fellow earth inhabitants, we add ourselves to the endangered list.
Not everyone can lend physical aid to struggling animals or contribute to causes, but there are other ways — such as educating others or volunteering to help clean up (or publicizing those efforts) — in which most people can make a difference. As my bug friend Jiminy Cricket says, “Let your conscience be your guide.”
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach Florida is dedicated to saving loggerhead sea turtles. In April 2008, marine biologists encountered a sea turtle in trouble so they contacted the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. The turtle was named Eartha, in honor of Earth Day, and it was discovered she had an infection. She was given antibiotics and nursed back to health, then released into the sea.
Nature photographer Dan Bodenstein was invited to meet Eartha; her story inspired his book for children, The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle. Those interested in seeing the real Eartha can visit Bodenstein’s website for a photo essay documenting her stay on land and return to the sea.
Bodenstein has taken the story of Eartha and made it into a charming tale with colorful illustrations by Brian C. Krümm that brings the loggerhead and her undersea friends to life. Bodenstein does not preach; he tells us about a happy young turtle who gets entangled in a length of string and is helped by humans. We know that the string is monofilament fishing line without being told; one illustration includes a few pieces of litter on the ocean floor that we know are harmful to sea life (e.g., plastic six-pack “collars” and other trash). That’s enough to remind us of the hazards humans pose to wild animals.
Article comments
1 - melinda warren
Hello I very much enjoyed reading your article. This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart.The sad truth is that we humans have failed to care for our planet, animals and marine life as we should.
The more help we humans get in understanding the impact we have on earth and creatures the better I say. The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle is a wonderful way to do just that.
I don't have kids but I loved watching Happy Feet, Nemo, and others that are made for the kids and the truth is I enjoyed and understood so much more after watching shows like these. It is so important that children are made aware of issues such as humans caring for marine life as the future earth will be in their care. However books like The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle are a fun and important way of learning for adults as well. 10 out of 10 from me, with my thanks for creating it.
Regards
melinda