This turtle hatchery is located in Kosgoda, 8 minutes away (3.8 km) from Ahungalle. The project was initiated in 1981, by Dudley Perera, and it is run by the Perera family. Dudley is educated in the conservation of sea animals, is very passionate and enthusiastic about his project. He loves to share his knowledge with both locals and tourists.
This hatchery strives to make great attempts to preserve and protect turtles by helping to enhance the process of hatching and ensuring safe survival of baby turtles after hatching. They also provide care and treatment of injured or sick adult turtles and then releasing them back into the seas. They also conduct workshops and programs creating awareness among foreign visitors and locals.
The groundwork of the hatchery revolves around inspecting the beach at night for any eggs that have been laid or mother turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, in which they are sheltered and shifted to the hatchery centre to prevent them from attack from predators or inhumane activity. The eggs are kept in a secluded area to develop and hatch which would require approximately 45 to 60 days. The hatched baby turtles are then released into the ocean.
The Turtle hatchery at Kosgoda is an amazing place of learning and it is full of fun since it is for the full family. Visit the hatchery and help feed the turtles and if during the season, you may be able to encounter a first hand experience in releasing the babies into the water.
