As a passionate turtle lover and a proud member of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, I have always dreamed of visiting a turtle sanctuary and taking part in the release of hatchlings into the wild. That dream finally became a reality during my recent trip to Phuket, where I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 13th Sea Turtle Release 2025 event at Naiyang Beach.
A Special Event for Turtle Conservation
The Sea Turtle Release 2025 was organized by the Turtle Conservation Group Phuket, supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand on 22 March 2025. This annual event, now in its 13th year, aims to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation while giving these beautiful creatures a better chance at survival. We arrived at Naiyang Beach around 3pm, just in time to witness the vibrant atmosphere filled with excited visitors, conservationists, and volunteers.
The event was more than just a release ceremony. There were stage performances, food stalls, charity sale booths, and educational workshops where visitors could learn about the importance of sea turtle conservation. The highlight, of course, was the release of 75 one-year-old Olive Ridley sea turtles back into the ocean.
Why One-Year Old Turtles?
You might wonder why these turtles were not released immediately after hatching. The answer lies in their survival rate. Newly hatched sea turtles face immense challenges, with a low survival rate due to natural predators and environmental hazards. By raising them for a year in a protected environment, their chances of survival increase significantly once they are released into the wild.
My Experience Releasing A Baby Turtle
When my turn came, a volunteer guided me on how to properly hold the baby turtle. I was instructed to gently place it onto the sand and not touch it again once released, allowing it to find its way to the ocean on its own. The moment I held my turtle, it flapped its fore flippers swiftly, as if eager to dive into the sea. The instant I placed it onto the beach, it crawled determinedly towards the waves, without even a backward glance—no goodbye for me! (How rude, right? 😆)
A Heartwarming and Meaningful Experience
Participating in this event filled me with immense happiness and pride. Watching these young turtles take their first steps into the vast ocean gave me hope that conservation efforts like these will help maintain, or even increase, the population of sea turtles to a healthier, more sustainable level.
A huge thank you to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for allowing me to be part of this meaningful event. If you’re a nature lover or a conservation enthusiast, I highly recommend experiencing this unforgettable moment for yourself! Maybe next year?
Stay updated about this annual sea turtle release event with Phuket Love Turtle
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