Turtle Time

Last week marked the close of the sea turtle liberations in Cancun!  People came out to participate even in the mess of rain we’ve been having. These were baby turtles, just hatched, brought from a different part of the beach where the eggs were being protected. Since turtles return to the same beach where they were born to lay their own eggs, the purpose of this program is to release the turtles in a suitable beach for them to return to later. How much later? Well, estimates are 15 to 50 years later is how long it takes them to reach reproductive maturity! Turtles can live over 100 years. Four main species are found here, the biggest of which is the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). In spanish it is called Tortuga Laud or Lute Turtle, because it is sort of shaped like a lute!