Baby turtles take the plunge along Chennai’s coastline

With the nesting phase now complete, Chennai’s coastline has entered the final leg of the Olive Ridley turtle season, as hatchlings begin emerging from protected nests and making their way to the sea.

BABY TURTLE FAREWELLSAlong stretches such as Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach, evening ‘baby turtle farewell’ sessions are currently underway. Between 5pm and 6pm, hatchlings are released under supervision after months of nest protection and hatchery care.

A volunteer’s pride
“We are blessed to have the mother turtles visiting our Chennai seashores and entrusting us to protect their precious eggs. I am honoured by this responsibility to create awareness and send the hatchlings safely to the oceans,” says Hafiz Khan, a volunteer coordinator for the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.