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When we came back from our trip to the East Coast of Sri Lanka, we had a few days of unplanned activity in Colombo. After doing a little internet research, my mother and I planned a day trip to Galle Fort. On our way we had a few awesome stops -including the Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery.
This cutie was guarding the hatchery as we arrived.
We were led around the hatchery - shown all the stages of turtle life.
They hatch baby turtles in the protection of the sanctuary, releasing them later into the ocean. This little guy is only 1-2 days old.
Mom with a baby turtle.
Apparently, because there are so many predators for the eggs, turtles born in the hatchery and released later have a much, much higher chance of survival. Over the years, the hatchery has helped replenish the dwindling turtle population.
Adolescent turtles...
The turtle hatchery is also an orphanage and eduction facility. They give a permanent home to turtles with deformities or abnormalities that wouldn't otherwise survive in the wild.
An albino turtle named "M.J."
This turtle is blind - and his name is Stevie.
This little turtle has deformities on his front two appendages. He reminded me of our dog, Cooper, who is missing his back left leg.
Turtle skeleton!
We left the turtle hatchery in good spirits. Our next stop: the Ariyapala Masks Museum!
Links of Interest
- Hikkaduwa Hatchery Site: srilankanturtles.com
- I like Turtles!