Turtle Hatcheries in Sri Lanka: A Guide to Conservation and Protection

Written by Mihiran Gunarathne

Sri Lanka is home to five species of endangered sea turtles, which are threatened by pollution, habitat loss, and poaching. To combat these threats, turtle hatcheries have been established along the country’s coastline to protect turtle eggs and release baby turtles into the sea. In this article, we’ll explore the top turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka and their conservation efforts.

Why are Turtle Hatcheries Important?

Turtle hatcheries play a vital role in conserving and protecting sea turtles in Sri Lanka. These hatcheries provide a safe place for turtle eggs to hatch and release baby turtles into the sea, protecting them from natural predators and human activities. Sea turtles are an important part of the marine ecosystem and contribute to the balance of the ocean’s food chain. Additionally, turtle hatcheries support the local economy through ecotourism, providing jobs and income to communities.

Top Turtle Hatcheries in Sri Lanka

There are several turtle hatcheries along Sri Lanka’s coastline, but some of the top ones include:

Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project

The Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project is one of the oldest and most well-known turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka. Located on the southwestern coast of the country, the project has been in operation for over 30 years and has released over 500,000 baby turtles into the sea. The project also runs educational programs and community outreach initiatives, including beach cleanups and school visits.

Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project

The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project is a unique turtle hatchery located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. The project focuses on the conservation of the rare and endangered Olive Ridley turtle, which nests on the beach at Rekawa. The project also conducts research and monitoring programs to track the nesting and hatching patterns of sea turtles in the area.

Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery

The Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is known for its conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices. The hatchery uses solar power and composting to reduce its environmental impact and offers a variety of educational programs and volunteer opportunities for visitors.

Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery – Hikkaduwa

The Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery is located in Hikkaduwa, a popular beach destination on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The hatchery is dedicated to conserving and protecting five species of sea turtles and offers guided tours and volunteer opportunities.

Koggala Turtle Hatchery

The Koggala Turtle Hatchery is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and has been in operation since 1996. The hatchery focuses on the conservation of sea turtles and also offers a variety of educational programs for visitors.

Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Project

The Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers educational programs and volunteer opportunities for visitors, and also collaborates with local schools and communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Bentota Turtle Hatchery

The Bentota Turtle Hatchery is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.

Peraliya Turtle Hatchery

The Peraliya Turtle Hatchery is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is known for its conservation efforts and community outreach programs. The hatchery also operates a turtle rescue centre, where injured or sick turtles are treated and rehabilitated before being released back into the sea.

Induruwa Turtle Conservation Project

The Induruwa Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Ambalangoda Turtle Hatchery

The Ambalangoda Turtle Hatchery is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors and also operates a turtle rescue centre.

Weligama Turtle Hatchery

The Weligama Turtle Hatchery is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its conservation efforts and community outreach programs. The hatchery also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.

Devundara Turtle Conservation Project

The Devundara Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Association

The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The organization operates a turtle hatchery and offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.

Reptile Village Turtle Conservation Project

The Reptile Village Turtle Conservation Project is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors, as well as other conservation efforts for reptiles.

Beruwala Turtle Conservation Project

The Beruwala Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Kahanda Kanda Turtle Hatchery

The Kahanda Kanda Turtle Hatchery is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors and also operates a turtle rescue centre.

Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery

The Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to conserving and protecting sea turtles. The hatchery offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors and also operates a turtle rescue centre.

Thalpe Turtle Conservation Project

The Thalpe Turtle Conservation Project is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and focuses on conserving sea turtles, particularly the Green turtle. The hatchery offers visitors guided tours and educational programs and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Turtle hatcheries play a vital role in protecting and conserving Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles. By supporting these hatcheries, visitors can contribute to conservation efforts and learn about the importance of preserving these remarkable creatures for future generations. From the oldest and most established hatcheries to newer and more innovative ones, there are many opportunities to explore and support turtle conservation

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