Singapore is not just a concrete jungle – we've got animals like otters, macaques, monitor lizards and snakes running wild.
85 critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings have emerged from their nest on Sentosa's Siloso Beach on Sunday night. The eggs hatched 58 days after their nest was discovered on September 3. A temporary "home" was carefully built over the in-situ nest within a day of the discovery by the Sentosa Development Corporation’s (SDC) Environmental Management team.
This is to keep the eggs safe from natural predators like monitor lizards and crabs – and you know, humans – during the incubation period. SDC also conducted periodic checks to ensure that the nest was safe.
For the uninitiated, Hawksbill turtles are currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. They are believed to be the most endangered of the seven species of sea turtle, alongside the Kemp's Ridley Turtle. So this event is truly one to celebrate!
But this is not the first time Hawksbill turtle hatchlings are seen on Singapore's shores. In June this year, 100 turtle hatchlings were found at East Coast Park by anglers, who then guided them safely into the waters.
Members of the public who encounter a nesting turtle and its eggs, or hatchlings, should call the NParks helpline at 1800-471-7300 or SDC at 1800-SENTOSA (7368672).
Remember to keep their distance and not to shine lights on a turtle if they see one, as doing this could confuse and scare away the turtle, hindering it from laying eggs.
Read more:
8 best places to spot wildlife in Singapore
Walk on the wild side of Singapore