The Hegg turtle sanctuary was started in 1995 by Bequian Orton King, a retired fisherman who realized that one of nature's wonders was endangered. The Hawksbill turtles were once hunted for their meat, eggs, and shells, but are now protected. Orton King raised his first few hatchlings in a small plastic tub. From his desire to protect these beautiful creatures, the Hegg turtle sanctuary came to life. Since 1995, over 2,000 turtles have been returned to the sea.
The hatchlings are raised at the sanctuary until they are three years old before they are released. (The hatchlings in the photo above are about a year old.) They are carnivores; they are fed sardines, canned tuna, and small fish. They have powerful jaws and in the wild they eat conch, oysters, clams, including the shells. (What a great source of calcium!) Left to their own devices, only one in one thousand eggs will hatch and produce a turtle that makes its way back to the sea. At the sanctuary fifty out of every 100 turtles will survive.
There are a few turtles that will never leave the sanctuary, including one with a deformed, domed shell. The shell shape slows him down, leaving him as easy prey for predators. These turtles can live over 250 years! The nice young man that answered our questions was so helpful - I hope he spends his life watching over these wonderful creatures. The sanctuary must continue for a long time, as the residents will be there for at least three human generations!
More information is available here: www.turtles.bequia.net
Donations are greatly appreciated.
For anyone traveling and swimming in the Caribbean, if you see a Hawsbill turtle with a "hole punch" on the shell by the tail, that turtle started its life at the Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.
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