Sea Turtle Hatchlings Found in Tulum Trash Container

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Tulum authorities are investigating after sea turtle hatchlings were reported found inside a trash container at Plaza Andador.

The report was shared on a Facebook page, along with a photograph of the animals. Staff from the municipal Ecology Department went to the scene, but the turtles were no longer there. The department reported the incident to the State Prosecutor’s Office and Profepa, the federal environmental protection agency.

Rocío Peralta Galicia, a biologist with the department, said officials have requested security camera footage from the plaza to verify the claim and identify those responsible.

Peralta said that while a turtle protection program is in place, with officials and volunteers patrolling beaches at night, they cannot be everywhere. Protecting the species is also a responsibility for citizens — visitors, residents, workers and business owners alike.

“If you see someone tampering with nests, call 911 immediately,” she said.

A day earlier, several dead turtle hatchlings were found near Playa Pescadores in Tulum National Park, apparently attacked by birds. Authorities have not ruled out that the hatchlings found in the trash came from that group.