Release Hawksbill turtles back to natural habitat

07.JUNE.11

Editor: While visiting the beautiful island of Bequia, I had the opportunity to visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.{{more}} As an avid animal lover, I was disheartened to see such beautiful creatures, the Hawksbill Turtle, kept in such confined quarters for a long period of time.

Some of the turtles were quite large, swimming in a pool with 20 or more other large turtles. The woman at the sanctuary explained that the turtles were released when they were 5 years old. But when we pointed to one of the pools and asked how old the turtles were, she responded “5 years old”. So why are they still in the sanctuary?

I have read Orton “Brother” King’s website info and I applaud the time and money he has spent taking care of these beautiful turtles. I notice that on his website, he claims to be releasing the turtles at 3 years of age, which contradicts what the woman told us at the turtle sanctuary.

My concern is this: these creatures are wild animals and need to be in their natural habitat. Why not keep the turtles for a few weeks only and then release them while they are still young and can develop their natural instincts? I do not understand how keeping a wild animal away from it’s natural habitat for 3-5 yrs will benefit the animal? Please Mr. King, continue to care for the Hawksbill turtle by releasing them into their natural habitat where they belong.

Kelly Cierra