The overall aim of this sea turtle conservation project is to monitor sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites in the Kosgoda region of Sri Lanka. Working with turtles here is carried out by staff and volunteers, and it has been hugely successful since the project's inception in 1988. The praise-worthy achievements of this project are largely due to the continued support it receives from teams of volunteers. The turtle conservation work relies upon the involvement of truly dedicated people, and every turtle volunteer can help play an integral role here.

About the Project

This remarkable project in Sri Lanka's Kosgoda region has been dedicated to sea turtle conservation for over 30 years and continues its vital work today.

With sea turtles facing threats from a variety of sources, including natural predators, plastic and light pollution, poaching and hunting by locals looking to make money from the sale of their meat and eggs, their conservation is of prime importance. With only 1 in 1,000 turtles surviving to adulthood and all seven sea turtle species ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered, this project aims to increase turtle survival from laying eggs to releasing hatchlings into the sea. Every nest ground, every egg, every hatchling and every turtle is crucial to the survival of the species. The project also helps maintain the local beaches, ensuring they are ideal for turtles laying eggs.

The beaches of Kosgoda provided nesting grounds for species such as the green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles, all heavily targeted by poachers. Sadly, poachers raid nests and capture hatchlings, selling them on the black market or to restaurants for turtle egg soup. To combat this, a local family established the turtle sanctuary with onsite hatcheries where turtle eggs are relocated to hatch safely, away from predators, before being released into the sea, with the best start to their journey.

The turtle sanctuary invites community members and local schools to learn about sea turtles and conservation efforts. As the younger generation becomes more aware of the species and their importance, there is hope that they will grow up inspired to reduce harmful behaviours towards turtle populations.

The sanctuary is home to around 11 long-term turtles, including a rare albino turtle. This particular turtle will remain in care due to the extremely low chances of survival for albino turtles in the wild. These turtles are on exhibit for educational visits from schools and tourists. During the months when there are no hatchlings (July to December), these turtles help raise awareness about marine conservation and the challenges faced by sea turtles. After approximately five years, the turtles are released, having received a 'head start' in reaching maturity. They serve as ambassadors for their species, allowing visitors to learn about their life cycles, the threats they encounter, and the importance of protecting their habitat, alongside gaining strength and size before being released into the ocean.

As a volunteer, you'll help relocate eggs to the hatcheries, along with caring for resident turtles that live at the sanctuary by feeding them, cleaning the tanks and maintaining their shells. You'll also help with tours of the sanctuary and educate visitors. Finally, one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is helping to release any baby turtles that hatch while you're there.

Please note that although this project runs throughout the year, turtle nesting season is from November - April, and hatching is from January - June. Outside of these times, your primary focus will be caring for the turtles that live at the sanctuary and the teaching program.

Prior to Arrival 

You will need to arrive into Colombo International Airport between 9am - 5pm on the start date of your project, where you will be met by a project representative and transferred to the project site, roughly three hours' drive away.