Chennai Sees Olive Ridley Turtle Release

Wildlife officials in Chennai released 46 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea from nests that were protected at the forest department’s hatchery in Besant Nagar. The release took place during the ongoing turtle nesting season.

According to officials, the 46 hatchlings came from a total of 94 eggs that were carefully collected and nurtured at the hatchery. The eggs were earlier shifted from vulnerable beach locations to ensure their safety from predators, human disturbance, and environmental threats.

Forest department staff said that the remaining eggs are expected to hatch within a day. More baby turtles are also likely to emerge in the coming days as part of the nesting season.

Every year, Olive Ridley turtles come to Chennai’s beaches to lay their eggs, especially between December and April. To protect the eggs, wildlife teams and volunteers patrol the beaches at night, collect the eggs, and move them to safe hatcheries. After the eggs hatch, the young turtles are released into the sea, usually during early morning or late evening hours to protect them from heat and predators.

Officials said that protecting Olive Ridley turtles is important because they are a vulnerable species. They also urged the public to avoid disturbing nesting sites and to reduce plastic waste on beaches, as it can harm marine life.

The ongoing conservation efforts aim to improve the survival rate of the hatchlings and support the long-term protection of these endangered sea turtles.