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Hikkaduwa Hatchery

How It Started

The Hikkaduwa Hatchery in Sri Lanka is a remarkable testament to the dedication and passion of individuals committed to the conservation of sea turtles. The hatchery's story began several decades ago when a group of local residents and environmentalists noticed a decline in sea turtle populations due to human activities and natural threats. Fueled by a desire to protect these magnificent creatures, they established the Hikkaduwa Hatchery as a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Initially, the hatchery started as a modest initiative, with a small team collecting sea turtle eggs from vulnerable nesting sites along the coast. However, it has since developed into a full-fledged hatchery and rescue complex with devoted people that toil around the clock to study, look after, and safeguard various turtle species.


What they do

Through their tireless work, the Hikkaduwa Hatchery has played a crucial role in safeguarding the future of sea turtles. By providing a safe haven for nesting, incubating eggs, and rehabilitating injured turtles, they have significantly contributed to the recovery of sea turtle populations along the Sri Lankan coast.

The hatchery and rescue facility currently cares for five different species of turtles which are the  Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, and Olive Ridley Turtle. Modern water tanks are included in the facilities at the sea turtle heatchery and rescue center.

Egg Hatching

At the Hikkaduwa Hatchery in Sri Lanka, sea turtle eggs are carefully relocated to protected areas where they are incubated in sand-filled pits. After 45 to 60 days, hatchlings emerge with close monitoring from the hatchery staff. Struggling hatchlings receive gentle assistance. They are then kept in tanks or ponds to develop swimming skills before their release into the ocean.

Things to do in the Hikkaduwa Hatchery

The Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center is located a few kilometers north of the main Hikkaduwa town. Below is the map to Hikkaduwa turtle hatchery.