Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a remarkable initiative.
This project stands as a ray of hope for the marine wildlife. This article focuses on all the important aspects that one must know about this sea turtle project.
About Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Established way back in the 1980s, it aims to preserve the endangered sea turtles. The efforts of this conservation project have played a pivotal role in protecting various species of sea turtles. These include the olive ridley, the green turtle, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback.
This project has undertaken various initiatives like monitoring of nesting sites, rescuing injured turtles, and providing rehabilitation to sick turtles before releasing them to the wild. This conservation center has become essential for research, education, studying behavior and breeding patterns of the turtles, and also understanding challenges they face due to human activities and environmental challenges.
One of the brilliant features of this project is that it involves local residents and schools to foster a culture of awareness and conservation. It also conducts regular educational programs and workshops to inform the public about the importance of sea turtles.
Furthermore, the center collaborates with international organizations to learn about best practices and contribute to global sea turtle conservation efforts.
Location
The location of this center is easy to reach. The site of this project is on the main Galle Road, connecting Colombo to Galle. The exact address is Dudley Perera, 13/A, Galle Road, Mahapalana, Kosgoda, Sri Lanka, 80570.
Entry Fee
You need to pay an entrée fee to visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. The ticket price for Sri Lankan locals is LKR 500 and for foreign nationals it is LKR 1000. If you want to release the turtle into the sea, you will have to pay extra LKR 1500 for this activity.
Opening time
The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project allows visitors from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. It is open all year round for the visitors to experience and be a part of this project. You will find the place crowded during early mornings or late afternoons. Turtle hatchling release time is 6.15 pm.
These are also the active timings of sea turtles, and they come to the shore to nest or to return to the sea. If you visit here during the nesting season, you may be able to experience night tours to witness the turtles laying eggs under the sky. If possible, make sure to book your visiting tickets in advance.
Conclusion
The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a dedicated center to conserve sea turtles and it also features a hatchery. Alongside, it has viewing tanks and an information center as well. It is one of the effective projects that is helping conserve the endangered sea turtles.
You can experience treating injured turtles, turtles laying eggs and hatching, and also releasing them back to the sea. You will have to purchase the entry ticket to enjoy this amazing project conservation center.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.