Video captures rare baby Leatherback turtles in Pinellas County

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A nest of rare Leatherback turtles hatched last week, as seen in a video captured by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The nest was first discovered in May, a rare sight to see on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

“Here in Pinellas County we primarily see loggerhead nests, but this year we were very lucky to have a nesting leatherback turtle come up on our beaches,” Carly Oakley, the manager of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program with CMA said.

When the turtles hatched last week, they emerged during daylight, another rare sight.

CMA recovered the hatchlings and brought them to the aquarium for evaluation. After they were cleared by veterinary staff, they were released at night back into the ocean.

“I feel super privileged to have the honor to document yet another species throughout my nesting experience,” Oakley added. “Seeing the leatherback all the way through from the day it was laid to the day it hatched, even through the inventory, was a great experience for me and my professional career.”

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission , these turtles are mainly found on the East Coast, with 50% of nesting occurring in Palm Beach County. Last year, 1,647 turtle nests were documented on the East Coast, while only four nests were on the West Coast, all in the panhandle.

Anyone who encounters a turtle nest is asked to keep a respectful distance for the animals’ safety. Beachgoers should always pick up their trash, fill in sand holes, and refrain from shining lights at night, as this can confuse the turtles.

Nesting season peaks in May, but can be found as late as August, the FWC said . The average clutch size is 73 yolked eggs and 25 unyolked eggs.

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