Welcome to the Urawatte Sea Turtle Sanctuary!

The Sea Turtle Hatchery was such a unique experience where Ms. Vijini and Ms. Sandy learned a lot. Walking in, we realized that the place was not too big but the walls were painted colorfully with information about saving turtles. There were a lot of cement tubs and the ground was all sand since we were right next to the beach. We then bought tickets and met the guide and the caretaker of the turtles called Mr. Sunil. He is the one who rescues the turtles and takes care of them. He also rescues turtle eggs and hatches them. Check out the videos of us walking into the Sea turtle Hatchery! Click here: Walking into turtle hatchery

Inside the Hatchery, Mr. Sunil introduced us to all the turtles, told us their names and about their species and why they needed to be rescued. First, let's meet the baby sea turtles and learn about them. The baby turtles with the tails were males while the ones without the tails are females. That is how we tell the gender of the turtles and Mr. Sunil told us the temperature of the oceans plays a role in their gender too. He told us that 90 percent of the population of turtles are male so they try to protect and rescue more females. After 4 weeks, the male baby turtles are sent back into the ocean as they would be a bit bigger. They keep the female baby turtles for longer as they need to be protected more since we do not have many of them in the oceans. 

     

Click here to watch and learn more about the baby turtles

The rest of the tubs had older turtles of different kinds (species). Some species of turtles were extinct while others were rare. Mr. Sunil introduced us to turtles that were almost 170 years olds and more. The turtles also come from different countries around the world, like South Africa. Were born disabled or deformed and they are taken care of in this Hatchery because they would not be able to survive in the ocean otherwise. Take a lot at the series of videos where we say hi to all the turtles. 

Click here for video: The loggerhead turtle who migrates from Australia

Click here to watch: The Albino turtle: a very rare kind!

We also got to see the Albino turtle fighting with the other turtle in the tank. The turtle was just a normal sea turtle. (watch video here) 

The next turtle we met was special. He has a deformed shell and swims sideways, almost upside down! Because the bottom of his shell is exposed, he would be in a lot of danger in the ocean. Prey would be able to attack the bottom of his shell easily as it is the softest part. 

After that Mr. Sunil took us to see a turtle who was 180 years old and also has a missing fin!

Then, we met some more loggerhead turtles but this time, they were from Turkey! They are also young energetic fellows. 

Next, we met Hawkbill Turtles from South Africa, and they have unique shells.

Next, we saw some good old local Sri Lankan Green sea turtles! 

Finally, we met another special turtle called Bob who is from Eygpt.

 Click on the link to: Meet Bob the Turtle!

The Urawatte Sea Turtle Hatchery doesn't just rescue and take care of turtles but also rescues abandoned eggs or eggs that are at risk on the beach. Mr.Sunil has turtle nests with different kinds of turtles so they can hatch safely without dangers from humans and other animals! See below: 

Click here for a closer look at The Nests

The tour of the Hatchery finally came to an end and we were so amazed at how much we learn. We also realized how hard it was to protect and conserve these turtles so we gave Mr. Sunil a big thank you for all his hard work and also gave him a donation on our behalf. We left with a big smile on our faces and hungry tummies. Next up, we needed to find a place to have our Breakfast Picnic!