Man Finds & Assists Hawksbill Turtle Hatchlings At East Coast Park
Singapore is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of which are part of a critically endangered species.
Recently, a man came across multiple hawksbill turtle hatchlings at East Coast Park.
He subsequently alerted NParks to their presence.
Hawksbill turtle hatchlings spotted at East Coast Park
Posting to TikTok, the OP, AJ, shared that he came across several hawksbill turtle hatchlings at East Coast Park.
Holding them in his hands, he said that it was the first time he had seen such a sight at the park close to midnight.
Source: @the_rehabist on TikTok
“For all you cyclists and runners and all that, please take note,” he warned.
AJ added that he had also alerted NParks, who were on their way to escort the hatchlings to a safe location.
A second clip showed him placing the animals safely in a styrofoam box.
Source: @the_rehabist on TikTok
AJ then mentioned again that quite a number of the hatchlings were out and about in the area.
“All of them are gonna be safe,” he assured viewers. “The NParks offices will basically bring them to safety.”
Source: @the_rehabist on TikTok
Praised for helping hawksbill turtle hatchlings
The video has since gained a fair bit of attention on TikTok, with many viewers praising AJ for his efforts in helping the hatchlings.
Source: TikTok
After all, he had gone the extra mile to assist them to safety, despite not having to.
Some also thanked him for protecting the hatchlings from potential danger at the park.
Source: TikTok
However, there were those who said he should not have picked up the animals, as the young ones could have imprinted on him.
Source: TikTok
According to ScienceDirect, hatchlings imprint on the coastal area they originated from. As such, picking them up in such a manner can complicate this process.
In response, AJ said that NParks had advised him to assist them.
Source: TikTok
MS News has reached out to NParks for more information on the matter. We’ll update the article if they get back.
Also read: 85 Endangered Hawksbill Turtle Eggs Hatched On Siloso Beach, Safely Released Into Sea
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Featured image adapted from @the_rehabist on TikTok.