Avatar:Turtle seal
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<infobox theme-source="nation"> <image source="image" /> <title source="name"><default>Turtle seal</default></title> <group> <header>General information</header> <label>Habitat</label> <label>Status</label> <label>Bending</label> <label>Uses</label> </group> <group> <header>Chronological information</header> <label>First appearance</label> <label>Last appearance</label> <label>Voiced by</label> </group> <header></header> </infobox> The turtle seal is an animal that lives in underground ice caverns beneath the North Pole[1] and on icebergs of the Northern Sea.[2]
History
Turtle seals were traditionally hunted by some rural sub-tribes of the Northern Water Tribe. These hunters lived as nomads, moving with their clans to follow the migration routes of the turtle seals.[3]
In the late 4th century BG, a group of turtle seals was resting on an iceberg near the North Pole that was visited by Jianzhu during his search for Avatar Kuruk's successor.[2]
In 63 BG,[4] a Northern Water Tribe hunter duo, Qarsoq and Aasu, were forced to hunt turtle seals during a poor season due to the demands of their employers in Agna Qel'a. During one hunting trip, they managed to discover a lone turtle seal amid a blizzard, but the creature turned out to be infected and maddened. It brutally mauled Qarsoq before suddenly dropping dead.[3]
During the Siege of the North, a group of turtle seals were navigating a system of water tunnels below the Northern Water Tribe's capital. Prince Zuko observed as they came up from the icy water for air, before diving back in through a hole near the base of a wall. Zuko also went into the tunnel in an attempt to find an entrance into the city. When he emerged from the water at a cavern, several turtle seals were barking loudly. They momentarily ceased making noises when the annoyed prince ordered them to be quiet, but began barking again as he pushed past the group.[5]
A turtle seal followed Aang in Ba Sing Se as he was leading all the zoo creatures to their new home in the Agrarian Zone.[6]
Anatomy
The turtle seal is light brown with a hard, green-brown shell around its midsection,[7] providing some protection from its natural enemy, the polar leopard,[1] and four flippers that allow it to swim well in cold water. The creature has a long, sleek neck and its face is characterized by small black eyes, ears, and whiskers.[1][5]
Behavior
Turtle seals live in herds and especially enjoy swimming through the ice tunnels underneath the North Pole. They are piscivorous carnivores, eating fish, shellfish, squid, and other ocean creatures. Turtle seals will slide on their bellies across the ice until they find an opening, before diving in and swimming through underwater ice tunnels.[8] They are migratory, with herds regularly moving between certain locations. Occasionally, migration routes can change.[3]
Considered lovable creatures,[1] they are not bothered by humans and will bark loudly and continuously when present as a large group.[5] Turtle seals are quite strong and could maul humans, but they almost never attack on their own accord. Their fairly docile temper and reliable migration routes make them popular prey for Northern Water Tribe hunters.[3] The animals are hunted for their meat and their hide.[3][9] Leather made from baby turtle seal hide is used to craft boots.[9]
Connection
As the name implies, this animal is a cross between a turtle and a seal.
References
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See also
de:Schildkröten-Seehund es:Foca tortuga nl:Schildpad Zeehond ru:Черепаховые тюлени