Museum Connects the Coasts on Canada Day

The Museum of Natural History in Halifax will celebrate Canada Day with the opening of Giants of the Sea: Leatherback Turtles, an exciting new exhibit from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. This interactive exhibit explores the ancient, yet endangered, turtles that inhabit both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada.

Leatherbacks are the largest turtles in the world and can weigh up to 916 kilograms (more than 2,000 pounds) and reach 2.7 metres (nearly nine feet) in length. They travel further than any other reptile, undertaking epic migrations throughout the world's oceans. The Atlantic leatherback lives in southern waters but ventures north to the waters off Nova Scotia in search of jelly fish, their principal food.

"Leatherbacks are amazing animals in desperate need of our help," said Tara Taylor, director of conservation programs at the Vancouver Aquarium. "No matter where we live, there are ways to get involved. This exhibit encourages Canadians to take action to protect these incredible turtles."

"The story of the leatherback turtle is an important one to share with our visitors," said museum manager Janet Maltby. "The Museum of Natural History is pleased to provide the first venue for Giants of the Sea on its cross-Canada tour."

As a special Canada Day bonus, Vancouver Aquarium staff will be at the museum at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 1 to meet visitors and answer questions about the exhibition and leatherback turtles.

Canada Day is also the museum's official kickoff to summer, with the opening of the popular Butterfly Pavilion and its live tropical butterflies. Children are invited to decorate the museum's sidewalk with turtle and butterfly art.

In tribute to the Canada Day festivities, admission to the museum is free. The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer St., Halifax. For more information on its events see the website at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/ .

Giants of the Sea: Leatherback Turtles is made possible with financial assistance provided by the provincial Museums Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage and the support of the Toronto Zoo, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, the Nova Scotia Leatherback Turtle Working Group, and WIDECAST.