First batch of Olive Ridley hatchlings make their way into sea in Odisha's Gahirmatha

The first Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings of 2025 began their journey to the sea from Gahirmatha’s Babubali hatchery in Odisha, marking a hopeful start to the conservation season. The event, shared on social media by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, highlighted the turtles’ natal homing.

Natal homing of Olive Ridley Turtles

Female Olive Ridleys dig pits to lay 120 to 150 eggs, covering them before returning to the ocean. Hatchlings emerge 45-50 days later, navigating to the sea instinctively in a process studied closely for conservation insights.

Olive Ridleys are known for their natal homing, instinctively returning to their birthplace to nest. Gahirmatha’s unique geography plays a vital role in ensuring their loyalty. To start, the wide, erosion-free beaches provide the perfect sand texture and temperatures (28–32°C) necessary for successful egg incubation.

ALSO READ: Why Olive Ridley Turtles Choose Odisha: Secrets of Gahirmatha and Rushikulya’s Arribada

Moreover, human interference is minimized due to sanctuary protections and seasonal fishing bans enforced from November to May. Additionally, the Bay of Bengal offers an abundant marine diet of jellyfish and crustaceans, which sustains the turtles during the pre-nesting period. 

Finally, calm tidal patterns in the region further facilitate easy shoreline access for nesting and ensure smooth entry into the sea for hatchlings.

Record Nesting Numbers

Notably, Odisha witnessed unprecedented nesting this year with over 6.37 lakh Olive Ridleys arriving at Rushikulya Beach in Ganjam, while 78,000 nested at Gahirmatha in Kendrapara. Termed arribada (mass nesting), this surge follows a delayed start, attributed to climatic shifts. Additionally, several of these endangered turtles reappeared at Eakakulanasi island in the district after a gap of 33 years.

ALSO READ: World's largest-known nesting ground of Olive Ridley turtles is in Odisha; things you should know

Conservation in Action

Authorities have fortified protections:

1. 5km fencing along Rushikulya to shield nests.

2. Forest staff stationed every 50 meters for monitoring.

3. Lights dimmed near beaches to guide hatchlings seaward.

4. Officials trained in safeguarding nesting sites, including Chilika’s Nuapada and Satapada.