Preserved Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Staithes Museum, North Yorkshire

The hawksbill turtle is a critically-endangered sea turtle species, recognised by its narrow, pointed beak and striking patterned shell. The distinctive beaks help the hawksbill to extract food from crevices in the rocks. They live in tropical coral reefs and play important roles in helping to maintain healthy reef ecosystems by consuming sponges. 

This hawksbill sea turtle in Staithes Museum was preserved when it was approximately 30 years old, possibly towards the end of its expected 30-50 year lifespan. Nowadays, museum staff seek to use such specimens for education, to raise public awareness, or for scientific research, which can all help to protect remaining populations. 

 

 

Hawksbill sea turtle from Staithes Museum

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Why are the turtles endangered?

Tragically, the hawksbill sea turtle has faced (and continues to face) a number of threats, from habitat loss to illegal poaching for its shell, and, more recently, in the form of marine pollution.

From ancient times, their multicoloured shells in patterns of amber, orange, red, yellow, black and brown, typically with a serrated edge, have made them highly sought after. Tortoiseshell and turtle-shell products became very fashionable, with a peak in demand in the late 19th and early 20th century driven by trends in fashion and the popularity of luxury items. Popular products included combs, jewellery, and frames for glasses so that by 1977 restrictions on trade had to be introduced. By that time, they were on the verge of being hunted to extinction.

Within the food chain, hawksbill turtles (especially when young or hatchlings) are vulnerable to predation from various animals. Predatory fish like sharks and barracudas, as well as seabirds, can pose threats in the water, and birds and crabs can also prey on the turtles on the beach, including eating their eggs. 

 

Hawksbill sea turtle from Staithes Museum

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Why does Staithes Museum have this turtle within its collection?

It’s not known exactly why this hawksbill sea turtle was acquired by the museum, but it may have its origins in the work that the museum does to tell the story of the British navigator and voyager Captain Cook. On his second voyage, Cook and his crew encountered hawksbill turtles in the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. As a teenager, Cook spent some time as a shop apprentice in Staithes and it is speculated that it was here that he was first drawn to a life at sea.

Sea turtles were a common food source for sailors, able to be kept alive on board ships, providing a fresh meal long after being caught. It is likely that these trips as part of European colonial policy marked the beginning of the exploitation of the species.

 

Close up of Hawksbill turtle at Staithes Museum

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What is taxidermy?

Taxidermy is the art of preserving and mounting animals. The animal’s skin is carefully removed, treated and preserved to prevent decay.

It is then stretched over a supporting structure, often made from foam or wire. This helps to create the original shape of the creature. Sometimes, parts like bones, antlers, or teeth are used as well to make the mounted animal look as lifelike as possible.

Taxidermy first began in the 16th and 17th centuries. Naturalists were trying to find ways to preserve animal specimens for study, but the matter became more pressing during a time of global travel, exploration and invasion as different species were encountered aboard. The popularity of taxidermy rose during the 19th century, with specimens used for education, scientific study, and as a way to showcase exotic wildlife or hunting trophies.

 

 

Activity – share the story of this turtle from Staithes Museum and discover the dangers facing turtles today

 

Talking Points

Look closely at the turtle. What features do you think made it especially attractive to collectors?

How do you think sailors and other hunters went about catching sea turtles? Do you think they would be difficult to capture?

What products can be purchased today with similar patterns? What materials are they made of today?

Why do you think turtles may have evolved this sort of pattern? How might the pattern help them survive against other predators in a coral reef?

Before modern refrigeration, what else do you think would make good food for sailors on long journeys?

How does it make you feel to know that this turtle was once alive and is not just a model?

Had you heard of taxidermy before? What uses can you think of for preserving animals in this way?

Taxidermy is sometimes called an ‘artform’ – look closely at the turtle and decide if you think that’s the right word for it.

Can you think of other animals that have been endangered because of the demands of the fashion world?

 

 

 

In the Classroom 
Hotseat

Interview a member of the class in role as one of the crew on Captain Cook’s voyage. Ask them about the hawksbill turtles they have on board. How did they go about catching them? What were their motivations? 

 

 

Roleplay a scene

In pairs or small groups, take on the roles of a shop keeper and potential customers discussing products made of turtle-shell. (The scene can be from any period pre-1977). What products are for sale? What selling points does the shopkeeper wish to share? How might the customers respond – are they impressed, upset or angry? 

 

Discuss or Debate

Nowadays, we can buy products such as sunglasses made using plastics resembling turtle shell. Do students think this is a good idea? Introduce the debate motion: we should use synthetic alternatives to replace natural products including turtle shell, pearls and fur, so as to protect wildlife.

You could use this discussion as a way to explore the environmental impact of the fashion industry – are plastic-based products better? What are the pros and cons of both types of materials? How might ‘faux’ materials still end up hurting sea creatures? You can use debates like this as ways of quickly thinking aloud. Read our tips for formal debates to help.

 

Hands on History

You can see the hawksbill turtle on display at Staithes Museum on the North Yorkshire coast where it continues to be shared for educational purposes. 

 

Museum Location

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