May 26th 2024.
In Kendrapara, a beautiful district in the state of Odisha, something magical and heartwarming has just happened. After weeks of waiting, thousands of baby turtles have finally hatched from their eggs and started their journey towards the sea. This marks the completion of the annual migration of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles to the Gahirmatha coast.
The whole of Nasi-2 Island is now bustling with these tiny creatures, and the only witnesses to this incredible event are the dedicated wildlife officials from Bhitarkanika National Park. They have been stationed at the nesting grounds, ensuring the safety of both the turtles and their eggs. It's truly a unique natural heritage to witness the birth of these babies, without their mothers by their side.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Wildlife in Odisha, Susanta Nanda, shared some heartwarming visuals of the baby turtles on social media. He described the sunrise as a new beginning, as these little hatchlings embark on their journey to the sea from the Gahirmatha Sanctuary. It's a beautiful sight to see these tiny creatures make their way towards the ocean, where they will call home.
The annual migration of the Olive Ridley sea turtles, also known as the 'arribada', has come to an end at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district. Over 3 lakh female turtles made their way to the beach to lay eggs, starting from April 3rd. This is a remarkable event as it only happens once a year and attracts tourists and researchers from all over the world.
The emergence of the hatchlings will continue for the next seven to ten days, and the number of babies will only increase. The Forest officials from the Rajnagar Mangrove Division are expecting a significant increase in the number of baby turtles in the coming days. However, due to safety concerns and the proximity of the island to a restricted area, tourists and researchers were not allowed to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
As the baby turtles broke free from their eggshells, they spent almost an hour wandering aimlessly on the sandy beach before heading towards the sea. It's a rare and beautiful sight to see these delicate creatures, with no mothers in sight, making their way towards the water. They make a hissing noise, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere, before diving into the ocean.
The incubation process takes about 45-55 days, and after that, the little hatchlings emerge from their nests. It's a unique and fascinating sight to see these babies grow without their mothers' guidance and protection. This is truly the beauty of nature and a testament to the resilience and strength of these endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.
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