Olive Ridley Turtles

A mother turtle 

Here is her closeup 

A mother turtle coming up to lay her eggs

A mother turtle walking back to the ocean

The eggs 

Laying eggs 

Reburying the eggs in groups of 100 

I recently went on a school field trip to Pedasí here in Panamá to see Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) lay their eggs. They are the smallest species of sea turtle. This species of turtle is named for the color of its shell. The average lifespan for the species is 50 years. They measure  from 62 to 70 cm in size, and weigh up to 45kg. Also their protection status is currently at endangered, this is why we, as a class had to collect the turtle eggs to have them reburied elsewhere. Unfortunately many locals take the eggs and sell them for money and or eat them. This is why we, as help to the Smithsonian, brought the eggs to an enclosed area where the eggs get reburied in groups of 100. This gives the species a greater chance of survival.   

Mr. Panamá