Sea Turtle Hatchery in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Like a painting

These beauties are 1-2 week old sea turtles, from the Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. Though the organization is small, their cause is noble. The owner buys sea turtles in order to save them (from being cooked and other bad stuff) and gives them a sanctuary.

The rescue center has six different types of sea turtles, in various conditions – from perfectly healthy to injured.

This guy got caught in a net and had one of his hands sliced off:

Injured sea turtle

And this one had a portion of his shell cut off by a boat propeller:

Victim to boat propellers

This stop toward Galle is highly recommended (or on the way to Colombo, depending in which direction you are going.) It provides an education, entertainment, and donations for a worthy cause. Though we left before 6pm, I believe they release turtles into the sea at that time.

In the palm of my hands

For more information, you can contact the Center directly here:

Hatchery Information

What’s been one of your most memorable animal experiences in your travels? Comment below!