As human beings, it’s no secret that we consistently exploit all that nature has to offer. Our position in the food chain has blown our sense of entitlement out of proportion and it’s taking a toll on our environment. The first few months of this year has brought nothing but alarming news on marine life conservation, and it only gets worse for all you turtle enthusiasts. The death count already lies at a total of ten marine specie deaths and just this month, carcasses of three Olive Ridley turtles were found on the coast of Vasai, Juhu and Versova.

But the problem extends exponentially beyond the multiplying deaths. Every year, a large number of turtles wash ashore with injuries, abrasions and a multitude of other complications, as result of the increasing accumulation of plastic wastes and motorboat related accidents. Sparing the gory details, these handicapped turtles become incapable of returning back into the ocean by themselves. Most of them become vulnerable to predators and poachers or die from failing to survive on land

And that’s where this Dahanu based NGO draws the line; because let’s be honest, turtles are too cute a species to have such circumstances imposed on them. The Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association (WCAWA), in collaboration with the Forest Department of Maharashtra have announced their plans to open a turtle orphanage! The WCAWA has been responsible for rescuing over 60 turtles every year and amongst these include species such as the Olive Ridley, Green Sea Turtles, Hawksbills and Loggerheads.

The rescued turtles are currently being rehabilitated and taken care of by the NGO and the Forest Department, in their rescue rehabilitation and awareness centre, in Dahanu. Sunil Limaye, the Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Thane Range, provided a public statement asking for a “Bigger site to be allotted for the centre” and that the orphanage be given with state of the art facilities.

And this NGO doesn’t just stop there! Dhaval Kansara, founder of the WCAWA, stated that once the orphanage is up and running, the organisation would soon start shifting their efforts in starting awareness programmes on turtle conservation and marine pollution control for schools, college and local fisherman communities. Such an initiative would not only exponentially dwindle the numbers on turtle deaths, but ensure a safe and nurturing environment for these turtles to thrive in. Everyone needs a place to call home and the WCAWA is working towards creating that secure refuge for our lovable marine reptiles.