Yesterday we were treated to yet another amazing experience here in Chennai.
We were invited down to Fisherman's Cove to take part in releasing about 60 "Olive Ridley" Turtle Hatchlings. Their Mumma Turtles come and lay their eggs along the coastline of Chennai between January and March. Volunteers then walk the beaches at night to collect the eggs and to protect them from natures predators. They are placed into hatcheries and once they hatch they are then sent on their way to fend for themselves in the big blue ocean.
It was so amazing to see these little babies, just hatched that day, get placed on the sand and head straight for the water. For some of them it took a couple of tries, getting washed back in by the waves. How many survive? Who knows, but it is said that they normally return to the beach where they where hatched to lay their own eggs.
The Olive Ridley turtle population is decreasing each year but lets hope that by at least keeping the eggs safe until they hatch that they have a much better chance of surviving and the numbers will increase.
We feel so blessed to have been given this wonderful opportunity.
4 comments:
Megan, SO cool!
We are actually heading to F. Cove this weekend ...
Do you know how we might be able to contact the folks who handle these precious turtles? We'd love to be able to witness that as well!
(gemgem76 @ gmail.com)
Oh Megan I am so glad God made me human. I would hate to be a baby turtle going out in the big wide world and fending for myself when I was so young without my mum.
What another amazing experience you all have had.
Blessings : )
Beautiful photos Megs and music to match!
What a lovely day it must have been.
Amazing Megs... Looks like you all had a great day....
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