An albino green sea turtle hatched at the "Let’s Get Cracking" incubation center within a Con Dao resort on 4/7. The turtle was part of a nest of 115 hatchlings. Conservation staff check the nests nightly to assist the baby turtles in reaching the sea safely. The albino turtle was released along with the others.

This is the second time in two years this rare genetic phenomenon has occurred at the same location. The center also documented a similar albino turtle in 10/2023.

Experts estimate the occurrence of albino turtles in the wild is between 1/100,000 and 1/150,000. Albino turtles have a light ivory shell, white edges, and translucent eyes.

The albino sea turtle. Photo: Six Senses Con Dao

According to the Con Dao National Park Management Board, the nearly 2 km beach in front of the incubation area maintains necessary conditions for nesting turtles. These include limited light pollution, no single-use plastics, and no artificial noise. The beach is one of the most important nesting sites in Vietnam for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Even in favorable conditions, sea turtle hatchlings face numerous survival challenges. After hatching, they must navigate from the nest to the sea, avoiding predators like crabs and birds, and then contend with fish and other marine life. In addition to natural threats, sea turtles are significantly impacted by human activities such as illegal hunting, pollution, fishing, and habitat loss.

Albino sea turtles face additional risks. Their lack of pigmentation makes them more visible in the water, hindering their camouflage. They also often have birth defects.

Non-albino sea turtles. Photo: Six Senses Con Dao

Phuong, a volunteer with the Sea Turtle Conservation Program run by the IUCN and Con Dao National Park, said he hadn’t encountered an albino sea turtle during his 11 days volunteering on Hon Bay Canh in late June. He was impressed by the rare event.

As of 6/2025, over 30,000 turtle hatchlings have been released from the incubation center, a collaborative effort between the resort and the Con Dao National Park Management Board. In addition to incubation, patrol teams regularly clean the beach, locate and assist nesting mothers, and rescue turtles in distress.

Aika, the conservation program manager at the incubation center, said that when the environment is properly cared for, nature responds with "miracles." "Witnessing the birth of a second albino sea turtle is a testament to years of effort to preserve the marine ecosystem," she said.

Sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao typically runs from March to October. Conservationists hope this rare event will raise public awareness about the importance of protecting natural nesting sites and ensuring a safe marine environment for future generations of turtles.

Bich Phuong