Although owning a leatherback turtle as a pet has its advantages, there are also big obligations involved. we'll cover all you need to know about keeping these intriguing animals as pets in this extensive guide. 1. comprehending leatherback turtles the largest sea turtles, known as leatherbacks (dermochelys coriacea), are distinguished by having leathery shells rather than hard, bony plates. these magnificent reptiles are a sight to behold, reaching lengths of up to 7 feet and weights exceeding 2,000 pounds. 2. legal aspects to take into account it's important to become aware of the laws governing the ownership of leatherback turtles before you take on the adventure of being their owner. because of their endangered status, these turtles are legally protected in many areas. make sure you acquire any licenses or permits needed in order to keep them as pets.