The paradise island of Sri Lanka has some remarkable attractions and appeals scattered along its coastal belt. Among these the few sea turtle hatcheries are indeed quite popular. Every year hundreds of tourists and locals visit these charming establishments to witness the endearing charm of sea turtles. When you are travelling in the island with Green Holiday Centre, you will be able to visit a few of these celebrated sites with ease.
Location in South Coast
There are 18 sea turtle hatcheries in the south western coast of the island. The establishments in Hikkaduwa, Habaraduwa, Koggala and Galle are quite famous in the region. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, which was established back in the year 1981 is one of the most popular attractions in the island. Located about 90 kilometres from the city of Colombo and 45 kilometres from the city of Galle. this iconic destination can be quite easily accessed.
A majority of these sea turtle hatcheries perform the routine tasks of finding mother sea turtles on the beach, collecting the eggs and transporting them to the hatchery, sheltering the eggs until they are hatched and releasing the tiny baby sea turtles to the ocean. Quite often, these establishments pay the fishermen in the area to bring in sea turtle eggs that they find on the beach too.
Endangered Sea Turtles
Many species of sea turtles are endangered. In Sri Lanka you will find leatherbacks, green turtles, loggerheads, hawksbills and Olive Ridley Turtles. Unfortunately a large number of these beautiful creatures fight a losing battle. Fishing gear can very easily entangle them and they quite often ingest plastic and other types of marine debris. Poaching and illegal trade of eggs and meat also is a serious problem in the country today.
Releasing the baby sea turtles to the ocean will indeed be a magical experience that you will never forget. So be sure to visit one of these remarkable sites as you are travelling in the country!
