2 Crore Olive Ridley Hatchlings From Odisha Take Baby Steps Towards The Sea, Watch Video

In March 2020, the beaches of Odisha (Rushikulya, Gahirmatha etc) welcomed lakhs of Olive Ridley turtles during lockdown. Experts had estimated that during this year’s Arribada, (mass nesting event or arrival) over 6 crore eggs would be laid by female turtles who return to the same coast they were born on to dig nests.

According to Hindustan Times, one female turtle can lay 80-120 eggs and their incubation period is 45-65 days.

The Times of India reports that the forest department usually makes sure that the eggs aren’t harmed (by stray dogs or fishing boats) during the incubation period. And now, in several rookeries, the tiny hatchlings have emerged and are crawling towards the sea.

Forester Susanta Nanda shared a video of the baby turtles, take a look.

Lockdown lifted for our guests at one more rookery of Olive Ridley in Odisha coast yesterday night👍

Hatchlings of sea turtle started comming out of nests from the mass nesting site at Gokharakuda beach of Rushikulya delta.

The magical spell of seaward journey will continue. pic.twitter.com/bVElxC1JMX

— Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) May 8, 2020

While we were inside today morning nearly 2 crore plus olive #Ridley #turtle hatchlings have emerged & made their way to sea from the coats of #Odisha.

One of nature’s incredible extravaganza. Via @susantananda3 sir. pic.twitter.com/BhAZzLbI8o

— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) May 8, 2020

People are reacting to this wonderful sight with a mixture of awe and hope. Nature sure has that effect on all of us, don’t you think?

I always wonder how these new borns know that they have to go to sea … nature has wonders

— Kapil Kumar Vijay (@kapilkumarvijay) May 8, 2020

Nature gives so much hope!! 💓

— Nidhie Sharma🧜🏻‍♀️ (@iamnidhiesharma) May 8, 2020

#turtle
Cutie❤😍
Baby steps.

— Mayuri (@Friend4u_Mayuri) May 8, 2020

Wonderful. 😍
Great news, actually we should appreciate the people who made this happen. There are so many volunteers/animal life protectors who are keeping the beaches clean and giving a way to these beautiful creatures to hatch eggs.
Really great work 👏👏👏

— 𝚂𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗 𝙺𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚛𝚎 (@surink7) May 8, 2020

Lot of good things happen when human beings are not around!

— Insignificant-Indian (@twisted4fun) May 8, 2020

Farewell hatchlings, we hope to see more of you next year!

Cover Image Source – left, right