First batch of 72 Olive Ridley hatchlings released at Agonda

THE GOAN NETWORKPublished Feb 10, 2026, 11:56 PM IST

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First batch of 72 Olive Ridley hatchlings released at Agonda

CANACONA

South Goa’s first batch of 72 Olive Ridley hatchlings were released into the sea at Agonda. This batch of hatchlings is from the first nesting that took place in South Goa and secured in Pit 1 at the Agonda Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (TRC). As many as 145 Olive Ridley eggs had been laid elsewhere on Agonda beach on December 11, 2025 and it took 61 days to hatch. However, 73 eggs failed to hatch.

The South Goa Marine Range (SGMR) operates two TRCs, one at its headquarters in Galgibaga and another at Agonda.

The SGMR has been hosting 34 turtle nests with the highest number of pits at Agonda (24) protecting 2,645 eggs, and the Galgibaga TRC is protecting 1,121 Eggs in 10 turtle pits.

With one of the pits already hatched and 72 Olive Ridley hatchlings into the sea and 73 eggs having failed to hatch, the SGMR is presently hosting 3,621 eggs.

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Against the odds, Olive Ridley nests on noisy Vagator beach

Turtle came ashore and laid 122 eggs on Monday night

THE GOAN NETWORK

Published Feb 10, 2026, 11:55 PM IST

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MAPUSAKnown more for its pulsating nightlife than pristine sands, Vagator beach has once again surprised locals and conservationists with the return of the endangered Olive Ridley turtle, offering a rare moment of hope along a troubled stretch of Goa’s coastline.On Monday night, an Olive Ridley turtle came ashore at Vagator beach and laid 122 eggs, defying the odds in an area synonymous with loud music, fireworks and all-night parties.Forest department officials promptly…