100 hawksbill turtles released into the sea after rare hatching on Sentosa

JUSTIN ONG Today Online 4 Sep 19;

SINGAPORE — One hundred newly-hatched hawksbill turtles were released into the sea from Tanjong Beach in Sentosa on Wednesday morning (Sept 4). 

According to a Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) spokesperson, the eggs were hatched on Tuesday at approximately 10pm. SDC carried out measurements and checks on the hatchlings before they were released into the sea at about 7am on Wednesday. 

The hawksbill turtle nest was discovered at Tanjong Beach on July 14, said SDC.

A protective barrier was erected around the nest within the day of the discovery to “keep the eggs safe from natural predators such as monitor lizards and crabs, as well as other potential disturbances during the incubation period,” said SDC.  

SDC also worked with the National Parks Board (NParks) to conduct checks to ensure that the nest was safe.

Hawksbill turtle hatchings are rare; this is only the fifth time since 1996 that eggs of the critically-endangered turtle have hatched on Sentosa. Previous turtle hatchings were recorded in 2010, January 2018 and September 2018 at Tanjong Beach.

SDC said members of public should contact SDC at 1800-SENTOSA (7368672) if they spot a turtle nest on Sentosa. 

“Guests are advised to keep their distance and not shine lights on the sighted turtle as this could confuse or scare away the turtle,” SDC said. 

More information on what to do during a sighting can be found here.
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