With a calm and gentle outlook and an innocent tendency, Turtles are one of the most beautiful creatures that gracefully swim around the world’s vast oceans. Unfortunately due to reckless human activities and climate change, the amazing creatures are facing a great threat to becoming extinct. All of the 7 remaining sea turtle species have been declared as endangered species by the IUCN and the numbers are still in a steep decline.
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries that offer refuge to these creatures as nesting grounds and has now come up with numerous conservation projects to contribute to the increase of the world turtle population. There are numerous hatcheries around the island that collect turtle eggs and they care for them till they hatch. They also help these small flappy friends reach their home – the Oceans safely once they can.
One such turtle hatcheries that contribute to this noble cause is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. The institute is open for tourists and it offers glimpses of how they carry out their conservation projects. Another part of their operations is rescuing injured sea turtles and you could see them being treated and recovering in large water tanks during your time here. There are also ways in which you could donate money, volunteer to save sea turtles, or participate in conservation efforts such as beach clean-ups and more. Overall it will indeed be a unique experience to see these gentle and magnificent creatures up close and personal!
