Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – The Banderas Bay region is the ancestral birthplace for thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles, who instinctively return to these beaches each year from July to December to lay their eggs. The dedication of environmental groups across the region ensures these gentle creatures have a safe haven, raising awareness and inspiring people to aid in their survival.
One such vital organization, the Boca de Tomates Turtle Camp, recently faced a severe setback. On October 7th, Hurricane Priscilla’s powerful waves nearly destroyed the facility. However, through sheer determination and community spirit, the camp has successfully completed the restoration of one of its most essential areas: the nesting pen enclosure. This area is critical for the protection and safeguarding of the nests meticulously gathered from local beaches during the nesting season.
The successful rebuild is a testament to the joint effort of the camp’s staff and numerous dedicated volunteers. The team refurbished the area using natural materials and installed protective netting. This thoughtful design ensures optimal temperature and humidity for the delicate eggs to develop while providing increased security against natural predators and the changing climate. With this crucial area back in operation, the small enclosure is quickly filling up, once again becoming a place brimming with new life.
This swift action allows the camp to immediately continue its vital conservation and monitoring work. By protecting these nests, the camp guarantees the birth and subsequent release of thousands of baby turtles, which are essential to maintaining the marine ecological balance of the entire region.
The Boca de Tomates Saving Sea Turtles sanctuary, conveniently located on the beach directly behind the Puerto Vallarta airport, proudly reports releasing an average of 60,000 baby turtles each year. Visitors can participate in this remarkable experience by joining a release event. Release times change daily based on availability, so check the camp’s Facebook page for the most current schedule.
The Boca de Tomates Turtle Camp has reaffirmed its commitment to marine species preservation. They issued a reminder to both residents and tourists about the importance of respecting nesting areas. They specifically encourage people to avoid using direct lights on the beach at night and to immediately report any sightings of nesting turtles or their nests to authorized personnel.
“Caring for the sea also means protecting those who come to our beaches to give life,” the camp volunteers emphasized.
For those in the area, volunteering is a powerful way to help, as volunteers are crucial for protecting the hatchlings from threats and ensuring they safely reach the ocean. For those unable to visit, you can still support their mission by adopting a turtle nest or making a donation to their conservation program via PayPal at nakawe.ac@gmail.com.
