Only one in 1,000 survives: The rescue operation at Gador Beach
An extraordinary rescue operation by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority at Gador Beach led to the rescue of dozens of tiny turtles that were in real danger, just moments before they took their first steps toward the sea.
A moving rescue operation at Gador Beach gave a second chance at life to 66 tiny loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings. Inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority opened four nests in the reserve after the hatchlings were trapped deep under layers of sand, and helped them take their first steps along the beach toward the open sea.
In nature, less than 1% of hatchlings — about one in every thousand — manage to reach adulthood. The rescue of 66 turtles constitutes a significant addition to the population of the species, which is in danger of extinction, especially in light of growing threats such as massive construction along the beaches, plastic pollution, injury from boats, and entanglement in fishing nets.
A moving moment at Gador Beach 💚
Last week, inspectors opened 4 loggerhead sea turtle nests at Gador Beach. 66 tiny hatchlings marched toward the sea to begin the great journey of life among the waves.
Want to get to know sea turtles up close? Come visit our new visitor center. All the details here >> https://t.co/lTDX6sOw3L
Israel is considered one of the leading countries in the world in saving sea turtles, largely thanks to the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The center operates a hospital that treats dozens of injured turtles every year, alongside a one-of-a-kind breeding nucleus in the world for green sea turtles that has been working for 23 years to rehabilitate the local population.
In parallel with field activities, the National Center has opened the new visitor center for a trial run by appointment. The center offers the general public guided tours that allow them to see injured turtles in the rehabilitation process up close, be exposed to research developments, and learn about ways to protect this rare wildlife.
The rescue at Gador Beach alongside the expansion of educational activities at the visitor center symbolize another stage in the national effort to protect sea turtles. The combination of emergency response in the field and education based on public involvement gives real hope for their continued survival in the Mediterranean Sea.
