Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda
The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, established in 1981, stands as one of the pioneering turtle conservation initiatives along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This venerable hatchery, with its rich history, is renowned for its commitment to safeguarding the fragile turtle life that graces the country’s shores. While it primarily functions as a hatchery, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery extends its mission beyond mere hatching and is dedicated to raising awareness among locals and international tourists about the intricate processes of turtle conservation. 
This sanctuary is a refuge for several turtle species, making it a vital hub for preserving these magnificent creatures. Among the five turtle species found on Sri Lanka’s pristine beaches, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is home to four, including the extremely rare “white turtle.”
- Leatherback Turtle: This is the largest and oldest of all sea turtles, measuring between 4 to 8 feet in length and weighing a substantial 225 – 900 kilograms.
- Green Turtle: As the second-largest turtle species, it boasts a size of around four feet in length and a weight of approximately 225 kilograms.
- Olive Ridley Turtle: This species is the second smallest, after the Kemp’s ridley, with a weight ranging from 34 – 45 kilograms and a length of 2 – 2 ½ feet.
- Hawksbill Turtle: Distinguished by its colorful shells, this attractive variety is typically found in coral reefs, lagoons, shallow coastal areas, and mangroves. Adult hawksbill turtles weigh between 45 – 90 kilograms and measure 2 – 3 feet in length.
- Loggerhead Turtle: Among the larger sea turtle species, loggerheads weigh between 90 – 180 kilograms and can reach lengths of up to 1.2 meters.
The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is committed to increasing hatching rates while also caring for wounded, disabled, and weak turtles that fall victim to fishing activities. During the night, dedicated volunteers patrol the shores, seeking mother turtles preparing to lay their eggs. Once the nesting process is complete, the volunteers collect the eggs and transport them to the hatchery. The development and hatching of these eggs take approximately 45 to 60 days. Once hatched, the baby turtles are swiftly returned to the ocean, typically in the late evening hours to minimize the risk of predation by birds and crabs.
Situated in a serene coastal village on Sri Lanka’s southwestern stretch, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery offers a tranquil backdrop for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located approximately 70 kilometers from Colombo, the capital city, reaching this sanctuary is convenient by road. Whether you choose to travel by bus or drive your own vehicle, the Colombo-Galle A2 highway or the E01 Southern Express highway will swiftly lead you to the turtle hatchery in under two hours.
For those with a passion for nature and a desire to learn about turtle habitats, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery extends an invitation to become a volunteer. Opportunities for both short-term and long-term projects are available, allowing you to contribute to the conservation efforts. By coordinating with the hatchery in advance, you can tailor your involvement to suit your interests and ideas. Many visitors opt to immerse themselves in the daily activities, which may include searching for eggs, assisting in their transportation to the hatchery, tending to wounded turtles, feeding them, and safeguarding their habitats.
Additionally, the hatchery offers accommodations, meals, and recreational programs such as water sports and excursions for a fee. If you intend to participate in the Kosgoda project, conducting prior research about their mission and initiatives online can provide valuable insights into the world of turtle conservation.
