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The leatherback found here measured one meter wide and two meters long and weighed about 250-300 kilos and has a slippery and rubbery shell about 1.5 inches thick. Because of usual turtle behaviour, experts presume that the leatherback also hatched here decades ago.

The turtle sighting was the first documented nesting of a leatherback turtle in the country and marine biology experts say the turtle could have travelled halfway around the globe to lay eggs in the same place where it originally hatched.

“We are truly blessed in having been chosen by nature for our shores to provide safe haven for the world’s largest marine turtle, which is also a great chance to educate people on the proper treatment of sea animals and help maintain a balanced ecosystem. This is a hands-on experience for environment and nature lovers, the people and the young generations,” Salceda said.

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After laying its eggs, the turtle crawled back to the sea under the watchful eyes of DENR officials and Navy personnel. Norma Baylon, DENR’S wildlife section chief here said female leatherbacks lay from 50 to 110 eggs which take 45 to 70 days to hatch.

Marine biology experts said female leatherbacks are known to return often to the same nesting areas where they were originally hatched to produce their own offspring. This could mean that Albay is one of their few original homes in the world.

The giant turtle was initially discovered by residents who reported it to authorities. Leatherback are primarily found in the open oceans as far as Alaska in North America and the southern tip of Africa.

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