It comes as no surprise that the tropical island of Sri Lanka is home to a host of various exotic wild-life species, which is extraordinary for such a small landmass. Of these various animal species, a number of them are endangered, with various institutions and organisations in place to ensure their survival. One such organisation is hidden away within the reach of the metropolitan grasp of Colombo, just a short distance away from the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel. It is the Turtle-Hatchery known as ‘Our Turtle Conservation Project’.
Know that you have heard about this hidden, when it comes to Colombo, things to do should definitely include a visit to this marvellous attempt at sustaining the numbers of Sri Lanka’s turtle species.
Although most locals aren’t aware of this, Sri Lanka plays home to five species of Turtles, and there are only seven species in total in the world. Leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Loggerheads, Olive-Ridleys and Green Turtles are all native to Sri Lanka, and can be found in this hatchery. Unfortunately, every single one of these species are critically endangered.
The hatchery is spearheaded by Milan, who founded the initiative. It currently relies on his efforts and those of four volunteers and a few local fishermen.
The hatchery is open the public and anyone can take a visit to learn about the state of the turtles in the country and the dangers they face along with the efforts that are undertaken to maintain their existence. The hatchery allows visitors to even interact with various turtles and take pictures with them.
Truly one of Colombo’s best kept secrets the turtle hatchery bravely strives to defend and protect Sri Lanka’s dwindling population of Sea-Turtles, so if you find yourself in Colombo, be sure to pay them a visit.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
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