Though the olive ridley sea turtle is one of the world's most abundant sea turtle species, it is listed as a vulnerable species. (© Teamcrucillo - Dreamstime.com)
The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica is a key part of sea turtle conservation. It was created in 1984 to protect one of the world's largest nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles.
One of the fascinating things about these marine reptiles is a group behaviour known as an arribada (Spanish for "arrival"). This is when literally thousands of female turtles arrive at a beach at the same time to nest, or lay eggs. It's amazing ... and it has also led to one of the most beautiful nature videos we've ever seen!
Everybody, arribada!
This drone footage, recently released by marine biologist Vanessa Bézy, shows thousands upon thousands of sea turtles in the waters around Ostional Refuge. No one knows how these animals coordinate such gatherings. But we're so glad that we get to see it!
We're talking about an estimated five thousand turtles per football field-sized area of ocean. And that's across a total area of around one thousand football fields. That's a lot of turtles.
Enjoy their magical party for yourself below.
wow. just wow.
yeah wow
😮 that many turtles!
thats amazing! 🙂
that is so awesome i think that is awesome
i love it so much it just worms my heart so much to see them together
The music should be a song by Taylor swift