About two years ago, I was in Costa Rica with my Dad's side of the family. We went to go see Leatherback turtles lay eggs. Now, a few years later, I saw a different type of sea turtle, the Olive Ridleys, set out to sea for their first time, completing a turtle's life cycle.
A few weeks ago, we walked along the beach until we came to a small palapa. This palapa, in case you didn't already guess, was an institute where they dig up turtle eggs that have been laid on the beach that runs from Bucerias to Paradise Village in Banderas Bay. The institute then digs a similar hole in a protected area to let the eggs hatch, protecting the eggs from birds and other predators.
You get to the institute at sunset and if turtles have hatched within the last 24 hours, you can let them free. You walk to the beach and stand behind a line, and then you take a turtle in your hand and, on the count of three, put it on the ground. The turtle will stand there for a moment, imprinting on the sand so that it knows where to come back to lay their eggs when they get older. They'll walk down to the ocean, and, just before they hit the water, they'll stick up their heads for two reasons: (1) to tell what temperature it is (to remember the place to come back to), and (2) to hold their breath since it will be their first time in the water.
You learn to understand what it could be like to be a turtle, how the things we do could be killing one, and what we can do to help. For example, Leatherback turtles only eat jelly fish. A plastic bag could look like jelly fish to a turtle. If you see a bag, pick it up, as you could be saving the life of a Leatherback turtle. Some types of turtles eat everything. They like seaweed and jelly fish, as well. A straw could look like white kelp. Pick one up if you see it laying around. We'll be saving turtles if we just remember to pick up trash we see lying around on the beach!
-Danielle
Hi Danielle. I read your post and almost started to cry, you are so smart and grown up. (I miss you so much, especially your giggle! )
ReplyDeleteI promise to pick up garbage on the beach when I see it, I never knew how damaging a simple straw could be. We humans are so destructive...thanks for teaching us.
Looking forward to more blogs from you.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Auntie Deb
Love your post...didn't get a notice of it so just saw it now when I read your dad's.
ReplyDeleteThat brought back great memories of that long walk on that late night in Costa Rica...and all the games we played on the beach to pass the time.
Sounds like you are seeing some very fascinating things!
Love you and miss you...
Boppy
Danielle, your writing is so mature - I would never believe that this story came from an 11-year old. It is just amazing! You could write a book on these turtles. You answered all the questions one could think of asking - who, what, how, why, and when... I loved every detail.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you lots, and especially love looking at the pictures that are sent. Looking forward to the next blog. x x x
That was a great blog. You may be missing a year of school this year but you sure are learning a lot ; I don't think Hailey, Marlee, or Russell know all of that info on turtles. I will be sure that they read your blog when they get home today from school.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I am still sorry that I didn't go back that second night in Costa Rica to see the turtles. Remember we waited so long for them to come out the first night?? Uncle Paul didn't want to have to carry Russell for miles again the second night. We will have to get back there together one day and do it again. Maybe you could be our guide this time!!
xoxoxo