Albino sea turtle born in Con Dao

The albino green sea turtle was born at the "Let's Get Cracking" hatching center on the grounds of a resort in Con Dao on July 4, in a nest of 115 turtles. Conservation staff said that every night, they check the nests to promptly help the baby turtles hatch and move safely to the sea. The albino turtle was discovered and released into the sea with other baby turtles.

This is the second time in two years that this rare genetic phenomenon has occurred at the center. Previously, in October 2023, the center also recorded a similar case of an albino turtle.

According to experts, the rate of albino turtles appearing in the wild is estimated at 1/100,000 to 1/150,000. Albino turtles are a genetic variation with a bright ivory shell, white borders and transparent eyes.

According to the Con Dao National Park Management Board, the nearly 2-km-long beach in front of the hatchery maintains the necessary conditions for mother turtles to nest, such as limited light pollution, no single-use plastics, and no artificial noise. This is also one of the most important nesting grounds in Vietnam for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Even in favorable conditions, baby sea turtles must overcome many challenges to survive to adulthood. After hatching, they migrate from the nest to the ocean, avoiding crabs and birds of prey, and then encountering fish and other marine life. In addition to natural threats, sea turtles are now greatly impacted by humans, such as illegal hunting, pollution, fishing, and habitat loss.

Albino sea turtles face additional risks because they lack pigment and are less camouflaged, making them easier to spot in the water. Albino turtles also often have birth defects.

Mr. Phuong, a volunteer participating in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program implemented by IUCN in collaboration with Con Dao National Park, said that during more than 11 days of volunteering at the end of June at Hon Bay Canh, he had never encountered an albino sea turtle and was "impressed" by this rare phenomenon.

As of June 2025, more than 30,000 baby turtles have been hatched and released into the sea from the Hatchery Center, with the coordination between the operating unit and the Con Dao National Park Management Board. In addition to hatching activities, patrol teams regularly clean the beach, detect and assist mother turtles in nesting, as well as rescue individuals in distress.

Aika, conservation program manager at the Hatchery, said that when the environment is properly maintained, nature responds with “miracles”. “Witnessing the birth of a second albino sea turtle is a testament to the efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem over many years,” said Aika.

Sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao usually lasts from March to October. Conservationists hope this rare event will continue to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting natural nesting grounds, ensuring a safe marine environment for future generations of baby turtles.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/rua-bien-bach-tang-chao-doi-o-con-dao-post291319.html