Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010352460300.htm

Kerala - Kozhikode

Baby turtles released into sea

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: As many as 291 baby turtles were released into the Arabian Sea off Kolavipalam, Payyoli coast, here on Friday under the supervision of the activists of Theeram Nature Conservation Society.

Forest Minister Benoy Viswom, who inaugurated the programme, highlighted the relevance of such conservation initiatives. The baby Olive Ridley turtles are expected to return to the Payyoli coast to lay eggs after a gap of 14 years.

Theeram volunteers had protected the eggs that were found on the beach for more than two months. The baby turtles were released after the eggs hatched. This is the second time in succession this year that baby turtles are being released by nature conservationists. They have been engaged in a concerted campaign to protect the eggs from predators and conserve the endangered Olive Ridley turtle species.