Did you know our sea turtles get back scratches? Myrtle especially seems to really enjoy a shell scratch. Sometimes the divers rub a shell on her back, other times she finds a way to scratch that itch herself.

Anyone who’s clicked around on the internet has likely seen funny videos of little turtles getting their shell scratched by a toothbrush or their keeper’s fingernails. In fact, turtles do have nerve endings in their shells and a scratch seems to feel good. Our big sea turtles are no exception! So the next time you visit and you see one of the turtles shimmying their shell under a finger of coral, now you’ll know they’re just enjoying a good back scratch.

Learn more about Myrtle on the Divers Blog.

• See a photo of her Merry Christmas back scratch 
• Check out some beautiful pictures of Myrtle shot by photographer Esther Horvath
• Find out what Myrtle eats for her Thanksgiving feast 
• Watch outtakes from Myrtle’s TV campaign