Coin Jewelry: Cook Islands - Hawksbill Sea Turtle

7 Interesting Facts about the Hawksbill Sea Turtle:

• Considered most beautiful turtle by many. Color of shell ranges from amber, orange, red, yellow, black and brown. Colors are darker in cooler water.
• They can hold their breath up to 3 hours.  They usually come up every 15-30 minutes, but can go longer if needed in rough seas.
• Existed for over 100 million years, with little change
• They help keep ocean reefs healthy by feeding primarily on sponges.
• They are one of the smaller sea turtles, only 24 to 45 inches long and weighing 100-150 pounds. Live 90 to 100 years.
• They are named after their pointed beak that looks similar to a bird of prey.
• They live in the coastal waters of more than 108 countries, but are critically endangered worldwide.

If you were wondering where the Cook Islands are, it is in the South Pacific, half way between Hawaii and New Zealand.