Wherever you are in the world, if you are lucky enough to stumble across a nesting turtle or turtle hatchlings please follow our guidelines below:
Please don’t touch the turtle. Nesting female turtles may become scared or feel threatened and will abandon their nesting. Please keep your distance and observe her quietly.
If you see her nesting at night please don’t shine white lights directly at her, as white light disturbs sea turtles.
Don’t attempt to dig up her nest. If nest relocation is to take place, please leave it to the professionals. Turtle eggs are very fragile and have to be moved carefully.
Please don’t touch any hatchlings seen on the beach; they need to make their own way to the sea to build up their muscles for swimming.
If possible do inform relevant authorities of the sighting. Some areas patrol beaches for nesting turtles, others request members of the public to inform them if they see this occurring.
If the hatchling appears very weak or is not moving, do contact the local animal rescue services.
Do quietly enjoy the sighting of these wonderful creatures. This is a rare opportunity.
