Established on the sun-kissed shores of Sri Lanka, the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project stands as a beacon of hope for one of nature’s most beloved yet endangered creatures. Nestled along the country’s southwestern coast, this sanctuary embodies a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the future of sea turtles through education, research, and hands-on conservation efforts.
An Overview
The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project was started by Dudley Perera in the year 1981. The main aim of the project is to conserve the sea turtles and protect them from predators like birds, dogs, and crabs. It is one of the 18 hatcheries in Sri Lanka devoted to the proper breeding of this endangered species. Visitors can get to see up to five endangered species out of seven species of margin turtles in the world here. The place is especially suitable for kids but provides to be a once in a lifetime experience for all.
A Day’s Experience
Upon arrival at Colombo airport, volunteers are warmly welcomed and transported to the project site, where an orientation session provides essential details about the volunteer project. Throughout their stay, volunteers engage in diverse activities, including caring for the resident turtles, maintaining nesting sites, burying eggs brought by vendors, cleaning and constructing hatcheries, feeding the turtles, and participating in exhilarating turtle releases.
The Hatchery
Tourists will be guided throughout the process of protecting and proper hatching of the sea turtles while visiting the hatchery. One can also visit the hatchery in the evening when the baby turtles are released into the sea as the risk of predators is minimal at this time and get the opportunity to release their baby sea turtle into the sea.
Kosgoda’s Turtles
Kosgoda stands as a unique destination in Sri Lanka, distinguished as the sole location where all five species of sea turtles converge year-round for nesting. Here, visitors have the remarkable opportunity to witness the diverse array of sea turtle species, including the green turtle, olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead, and leatherback. You can choose to stay in nearby Kalutara beach hotels, such as the Avani Kalutara Resort if you choose to participate in the program or visit the hatchery.
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