Meet Buddy
Image courtesy of Sea Turtle Conservancy
Buddy is an adult female leatherback sea turtle, first encountered nesting on Soropta Beach in Panama. She laid 82 precious eggs before returning to the ocean, and was fitted with a satellite tag by Sea Turtle Conservancy, so conservationists could learn where leatherbacks travel, feed, face danger, and how they can protect turtles like Buddy and beyond.
Sea Turtle Conservancy has protected endangered sea turtles, nesting beaches, and hatchlings since 1950, and Buddies for Paws is proud to support their work.
Latest Updates
Welcome Buddy to the BFP Family
Say hello to Buddy, our beautiful leatherback sea turtle. She was discovered nesting on Soropta Beach, Panama, where she laid 82 eggs before returning to the sea. Calm, gentle, and curious, Buddy was fitted with a satellite tracker and officially adopted by Buddies for Paws. And yes, we got to name her. It has a nice ring to it.
Nov 25, 2025
Buddy Begins Tour de Turtles
She’s now part of Tour de Turtles 2025, a friendly annual race where conservationists track sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their feeding grounds. Every mile she swims helps Sea Turtle Conservancy learn how to protect her species and the oceans they depend on. You can follow her journey here.
Nov 25, 2025
Buddy the Marathon Swimmer
Leatherbacks are gentle giants of the sea. Soft-shelled, deep-diving, jellyfish-loving ocean wanderers who can travel thousands of miles across the world. By supporting Buddy, we help protect the beaches she nests on, the waters she swims through, and the next generation of turtles following in her flipper-prints. Leatherbacks can swim over 10,000 miles a year, which is basically the turtle version of ultramarathoning. Her speed: impressive. Her stamina: legendary. Her snack motivation: jellyfish.
Nov 25, 2025
The Hatchlings Are Here
After nesting, Buddy’s eggs were carefully moved to a protected hatchery and watched around the clock to keep them safe from poachers. Two months later, tiny heads began popping through the sand. Forty-five leatherback hatchlings made their way to the sea. Maybe, in 20 years, one of them will return to this same beach as an adult. Photo of hatchlings
Nov 25, 2025
A Break for Snacks
During her journey, Buddy slowed down for a while…then we realised why. She found the jellyfish buffet. Sometimes, it’s not about winning the race. Sometimes, you just need lunch.
Nov 25, 2025
Well Done, Buddy
Buddy completed the Tour de Turtles! She finished 7th and travelled over 5,500 kilometres along the way, raising awareness, collecting vital research data, and inspiring our whole community. Not bad for a sea turtle with a jellyfish addiction
Nov 25, 2025
Holiday Time in Florida Keys
Buddy continues to travel south, with satellite tracking showing her en route to the Florida Keys for the holiday season. Thanks to the satellite tag fitted by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, we’re able to keep following her journey. While we can’t confirm whether Santa really does arrive by surfboard, we do know Buddy is spending her holidays somewhere warm. Enjoy the holiday's Buddy!
Dec 23, 2025
How Support Helps
When you support Buddy and Sea Turtle Conservancy, you help protect:
Nesting beaches
Hatcheries and hatchlings
Migration habitats
Turtle rescue and rehabilitation
Ocean conservation and education programs
Support Sea Turtle Conservancy
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