“Old Hegg” is a term used by Bequians for an old turtle, because she has swum hundreds of miles and lived for decades. Hawksbill turtles can live over 70 years.
In the top and left picture one of Brother King’s helpers is demonstrating the shape of a healthy and deformed turtle shell. The deformed shell has obvious grooves, in contrast to the smooth oval healthy shell. The deformed turtles also swim much slower.
The picture on the right shows us interviewing Brother King. In 1960 he was shipwrecked in a storm off the Island of St. Lucia. A dolphin came to him on the second night and lead him to shore, a story hard to believe, but not uncommon. Dolphins have been recorded to do this on other occasions. This was a life changing event for Brother King on 14 July, 1960. It made him see wildlife in a new way. His OldHegg Turtle Sanctuary started as a hobby and has now become his main occupation.
