Despite what the title suggests, this is not the beginning of a Dr. Seuss rhyme.   Fans of the New England Aquarium are probably well acquainted with Myrtle - a green sea turtle that tips the scales at close to 600 pounds and has been at the Aquarium since 1970 - a year after the Aquarium opened its doors.

    The staff at the Aquarium estimates her age to be somewhere around 70 and she could easily live to be well past 100.  She has become a generational phenomenon: parents who remember seeing Myrtle when they were children are now bringing their own children to the Aquarium for a visit.

    I have seen Myrtle many times over the years - from my first visit as a college student in the 80's to countless visits with my own two children in more recent years.  But I had a unique chance to get "up close and personal" with Myrtle just last week. 

    As part of our dirty/dangerous/interesting jobs series, we profiled one of the divers who enters the 200,000 gallon Giant Ocean Tank five times each day to feed the fish and clean the exhibit.  With more than 650 animals representing 120 species, the tank is a busy place.  And since fish do, after all, have bodily functions - it can be a pretty dirty place as well.

    My job was rather clean - I got the chance to feed Myrtle.  It is impressive to see a 600 pound animal gliding through the water; it is intimidating to see that same animal moving toward the piece of fish in your hand with her mouth open. Myrtle doesn't come at you fast, but she definitely comes at you with a purpose.  You don't exactly get to be 600 pounds by being bashful at feeding time.

    It was a treat and a delight to be up close to this magnificent animal.  I must admit my technique improved over time.  The first time she came at me, mouth agape, I think I kind of threw the piece of fish in the general direction of her mouth and she missed it.  But I came around quickly and literally had her eating out of my hand.  She even delighted in a quick backrub - although I'm not sure how much she can feel through her shell. 

    Needless to say, it was a treat to meet this gentle giant up close.  You can see more of her on Channel 5 in an upcoming episode of Chronicle. I would end with a cute rhyme, but while Myrtle the turtle rhymes well, there isn't much that rhymes with Chronicle!