Albino sea turtles are born in Con Dao.

Albino sea turtles were born in a nest of 115 at a resort in Con Dao, marking the second such discovery in the area in the past two years.

An albino sea turtle hatchling, belonging to the green sea turtle species, was born at the "Let's Get Cracking" hatching center on the grounds of a resort in Con Dao on July 4th, in a nest containing 115 turtles. Conservation staff said that every evening they check the nests to provide timely assistance to the hatchlings and ensure their safe migration to the sea. The albino turtle has been found and released back into the sea along with the other hatchlings.

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 incidence of albino turtles in the wild is estimated at about 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 150,000. Albino turtles are a genetic variant with a light ivory shell, white edges, and clear eyes.

An albino sea turtle. Photo: Six Senses Con Dao

According to the Con Dao National Park Management Board, the nearly 2-kilometer-long beach in front of the nesting area maintains the necessary conditions for mother turtles to nest, such as limited light pollution, no use of 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 face numerous challenges to survive to adulthood. After hatching, they migrate from their nests to the sea, avoiding crabs and birds of prey, and then confronting fish and other marine creatures. In addition to natural dangers, sea turtles are now heavily impacted by human activities such as illegal hunting, pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss.

Albino sea turtles face additional risks due to their poor camouflage abilities caused by a lack of pigment, making them easily detectable in their aquatic environment. Albino turtles also often have congenital defects.

Normal sea turtles. Photo: Six Senses Con Dao

Anh Phuong, a volunteer participating in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program implemented by IUCN in collaboration with Con Dao National Park, said that during his more than 11 days of volunteering at Bay Canh Island at the end of June, 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, in coordination with the operating unit and the Con Dao National Park Management Board. Besides hatching, patrol teams regularly clean the beaches, locate and assist mother turtles in nesting, and rescue turtles in distress.

Aika, conservation program manager at the hatchery, said that when the environment is properly preserved, nature will respond with "miracles." "Witnessing the second birth of an albino sea turtle is proof of the efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem over the years," Aika said.

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

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