Baby Loggerheads
This nest was being attacked by fireants while hatching. A volunteer rescued the turtles that were still left in the nest in order to release them after sunset that same evening. After the sun goes down, the volunteer will take the tuurtles to the beach and allow them to crawl to the ocean. Those standing by may watch and take photos, but no flash photography allowed.
There are about 100 baby turtles per nest.
Only 1 turtle out of 1000 will survive to return in 20 years and lay eggs.
Male turtles will never again come ashore.
After 20 years the females will return to nest.
Artificial lighting from beach houses and other buildings can attract baby turtles to travel in the wrong direction and never make it to the sea.
The reflection of the moonlight on the water draws the turtles toward the ocean.
Most of the turtles that make it without being eaten by a preditor will eventually end up in fish netting or wash ashore with a stomach full of plastic and debris.
Usually the female will come ashore to lay her eggs in the same area she was born.
After 20 years, she will often find that beach no longer accessible to her for nesting.
After several unsuccesful attempts she will have no choice but to release her eggs in the ocean.
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