The Hatcheries

History of Turtle Conservation in Sabah I Nesting Areas I Nesting Information I The Hatcheries I Life Cycle I Some Do's and Don'ts

The eggs are collected by the Park staff and transferres to the hatcheries situated 50 feet away from the high water mark. Each pit is 30 inches deep, fenced around with wire mesh and identitied by a bamboo marker bearing the serial number of the nest, collection date and number of eggs. After an incubation period of between 50 and 60 days, the hatchlings dig their way up to the surface of the pit, usually at night, when the sand is cooler. The hatchlings are normally released in the early morning or at night from various points of the islands. Once in the sea they are exposed to numerous danger including being eaten by bigger fish as well as birds, Fatalities can also occur when they encounter plastic bags or mistake tiny hardened balls of oil for food.