It’s Friday - and officially the last day of the project here in Nicaragua. We all met for breakfast and then geared up to go sea turtle watching. I had seen many baby turtles, but I could not leave without seeing at least one adult turtle. Jose wanted to show us how they monitor the turtles coming to the beach. Ideally, they want males so that they can tag them and take DNA testing for their research – but it’s harder to find males since they don’t come ashore to lay eggs.
So Jose got into the water and showed us what it’s like when they have to go looking for them. I’m happy to say that I got to see my first adult turtle of the trip - and it made my day instantly! Lisa, the videographer, was so amazing, she went above and beyond to capture those moments so that all of our guests can see what we have experienced -and learn what the project we’re funding is all about. It’s so great to know that I work with such devoted team. The water was freezing but with the excitement I just forgot all about it and kept taking picture after picture.
After this amazing experience we returned to the hotel. However our adventure wasn’t over yet. As we were sitting there, a hotel employee informed us that a turtle was laying eggs nearby! I had wanted to see an adult turtle - but this was just incredible! I saw her lay over eight dozen turtle eggs that day. When she was finished, the park rangers removed the eggs from the nest in order to relocate them to the Sea Turtle Nursery for protection.
I came to Nicaragua wanting to educate students about sea turtle conservation – but in the process I got to see these amazing creatures laying eggs and coming out of their nests. I was even able to help release some of the turtles. It’s been a wonderful experience and I could not ask for more. My dream of seeing sea turtles in their natural environment has finally come true.
