MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) “If you ever have a stressful day you can walk through the tunnel and the fish will calm you down,” Ripley’s Aquarium Education Robby Ammons said.

A stroll through that tunnel allows guest to see all kinds of unique creatures including some that are considered endangered species.

This weekend Ripley’s is celebrating Endangered Species Day and World Turtle Day by honoring one of those animals in their

Gabby came to the Aquarium in 1999 as a rescue weighing 219 pounds.  She has now grown to 350 pounds and 39.5 inches long when you measure just her shell.

Amidst the backdrop of menacing sharks and fish of multi color, the queen of this undersea world is a fan favorite for visitors of all ages.

“She’s friendly, she’s flirtatious,” Ammons said about Gabby. “She feels like tunnel is hers.”

“She can see you when you go through the tunnel so she knows when people are taking a lot of photos,” Ripley’s Aquarium Senior Biologist Ashley Hartness said. “She likes to come down and be in the center of attention.”

Ashley is part of the team that works with Gabby every day.

“Gabby definitely has the personality that people would consider to be more human like,” Hartness said. “I like working here because you get to teach youngsters who may or may not ever get the opportunity to go to the ocean themselves.”

It’s a message on sea turtles that ranges from how they get from their nest to the ocean, ways we as humans can help them survive and what do they eat.

“Two and a half pounds of squid stuffed with vegetables three days a week,” Hartness said.

It’s all in an effort from the Ripley’s staff to help this beautiful species and ones just like her have that endangered tag removed for future generations

Guests are invited to the Aquarium Sunday May 22, 2016 for a special “birthday” celebration for Gabby.

Although her exact age is not known it’s estimated that Gabby is around 60 years old.

This celebration is also in honor of Endangered Species Day and World Turtle Day. 

The special event runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be special birthday cake for guests, “Turtle Talks” in the Tunnel with educators, you can hang out with Ripley’s Ruckus Drumline and the Ripley’s Mascots and Education Stations with fun facts and games as well as other activities.

Guests are encouraged to use the special biker discount going on until the end of the month to receive 50% off their adult admission.

$2 from every “biker admission” goes to support the local chapter of the Combat Veteran’s Motorcycle Association.