Leatherback turtles return to Terengganu waters after nine-year absence

Leatherback turtles have returned to the waters off Malaysia’s Terengganu state after a nine-year absence, giving conservation officials fresh hope for the endangered species.

The Terengganu Fisheries Department detected the return on Sept. 1 through physical tracks on the sand measuring 2.1 meters across. Staff also found a nest containing turtle eggs along the Pantai Marang shoreline.

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The rediscovery of the leatherback turtle brings new hope that future generations will be able to witness the existence of this ancient creature.

Officials safely transferred 44 eggs to a hatchery in Rantau Abang. They expect the eggs to hatch within seven to nine weeks.

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It also proves that the Terengganu coast remains a safe habitat and a preferred landing destination for these giant animals.

Pang Nyukang, director of the Terengganu Fisheries Department, said the return of the world’s largest turtle showed that the state’s coast remained a safe habitat and a preferred landing site. “The rediscovery of the leatherback turtle brings new hope that future generations will be able to witness the existence of this ancient creature,” he said.

Pang urged the public to help keep beaches and the sea clean. He also expressed hope that all the eggs would hatch and that the hatchlings would reach the ocean safely.

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This is a reminder for all of us to jointly protect and preserve the treasures of nature. Let’s all pray that all the turtle eggs found can hatch and the baby turtles can swim back to the ocean safely.