Continuous Nest Poaching Spurs Couple To Found Mexico Conservation Program
It did not take long for Erik and Odette Jorgensen, residents of Sayulita, Mexico, to tire of seeing carefully constructed sea turtle nests, which were completely destroyed and poached just two days later. The American couple decided to take the initiative and take matters into their own hands, as they realized this practice was not sustainable and they would soon lose the enjoyment of their daily oceanfront morning walks. The result of their work metamorphosed into Red Tortuguera AC, which has now expanded into five separate locations. Composed of 100% volunteers and funded only by donations, the program attracts tourists from far and wide to watch the hatchling releases. Volunteers locate nests and remove the eggs to an enclosed area of the beach, which is guarded by Lulu, the designated guard dog. After they hatch, the turtles are guided for a safe return to their ocean home. The work is done swiftly, as the danger of poaching is still ever present, but the program protects approximately 350 nests per year, with a record of over 2000. Tortuguera AC is highly instrumental in raising new generations of children who maintain a passion for conserving wildlife and the ecosystems which they inhabit.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Rescue swimmer spots trapped sea turtle
Japan: Zoo hatches Astrochelys yniphora to continue previous success
USA: Weather conditions warrant caution for turtle crossings
Crime & Punishment
USA: Suspicions arise over missing tortoise
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Photo from Marco Ugarte.
