Investigation Launched After Video Shows Young People Mistreating Sea Turtle Hatchlings

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Environmental authorities have opened an investigation into a viral video that appears to show three young people mistreating sea turtle hatchlings, and have turned the case over to federal prosecutors.

The footage, which sparked outrage on social media, shows the individuals placing newborn turtles inside a cooler, adding water and ice while laughing. In another segment, they try to put the hatchlings into a container with alcohol.

Orlando García, the municipality’s director of environmental regulation, said citizens alerted authorities to the video, allowing them to quickly gather information and identify those involved. According to initial reports, two of the three are minors, while the third is 18 years old.

García stressed that being underage does not exempt them from legal consequences, and that federal authorities will determine responsibility under environmental law. For the minors, officials also plan to speak with their parents or guardians as part of the process to prevent similar behavior.

Officials reminded the public that sea turtles are a protected species and that any improper handling can constitute a crime. Rescue and management of the animals should be left exclusively to trained personnel.

They also urged residents to respect wildlife and report any act of mistreatment, emphasizing that protecting these species is a shared responsibility.