Bhubaneswar: After an incubation period of about one and a half months, Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings have started emerging from their nests and making their way to the sea at the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district.
According to forest department sources, over 820,000 hatchlings had made their way to the sea by Thursday morning. The tiny turtles are instinctively drawn to the ocean, where they will begin their journey in the marine ecosystem.
According to Forest Department sources, around 5.1 million hatchlings emerged on Wednesday, with the remaining hatchlings emerging on Thursday. The tiny turtles made their way to the sea, marking a crucial milestone in their life cycle.
This year, approximately 604,933 female Olive Ridley turtles participated in mass nesting, according to the forest department. To ensure their safety, the Rajnagar forest division has formed 16 teams to provide 24-hour vigil and protection to the nesting grounds. The teams are working tirelessly to safeguard the turtles and their habitats during this critical period.
