Sunburnt Down Under: Baby sea turtles

My favourite activity in Puerto Escondido was releasing endangered baby sea turtles safely into the ocean. Our hostess Adelina at our guesthouse, Quinta Lili, drove us and two other guests to where the turtle eggs are carefully protected (see white buckets) from their main predators (sea birds and stray dogs). The beach, which is not an official sanctuary, is about 15 minutes away from the guesthouse. The fenced area is on a stretch of beach between two beach houses.

After they hatch, the baby turtles are kept in the dark buckets until sunset so the turtles can scurry to the ocean unharmed. The darkness also keeps the turtles inactive so they can conserve energy for their long swim.

The release of the turtles (also called Liberacion de tortugas) is organized by the local environmental group, Selva Negra (or Black Jungle). This group
does not yet receive government funding. The government is also not involved in saving baby sea turtles in this area of Puerto. Adelina, seen with the blue bucket, is very involved with Selva Negra, and attends most turtle releases and is a passionate advocate for the turtles.

At sunset we lined up with a group of locals and tourists, washed our hands in seawater and stood to receive our turtle. Depending on the season, there are three types of turtles: black, green and leatherback. I'm holding a green sea turtles which is the smallest of the three.