In a truly extraordinary occurrence, the marine world’s breathtaking marvel unfolded before the eyes of guests and residents at Six Senses Con Dao.
Nestled within the resort’s in-house incubation center, a momentous event took place: the hatching of an incredibly unique white sea turtle. Blanche, a Chelonia Mydas turtle, commonly known as a green sea turtle, made her entrance into the world with a genetic condition known as leucism. This condition results in minimal melanin pigment in Blanche’s skin and shell, which is responsible for determining the color of skin, hair, and eyes in both people and animals.
Although there are no precise statistics on the prevalence of leucism in sea turtles, it is widely recognized that leucistic hatchlings are exceedingly rare. Some marine biologists estimate that leucistic hatchlings account for only one in many hundreds of thousands of sea turtle eggs laid.
In normal circumstances, sea turtle hatchlings confront a multitude of challenges. Once they hatch, these tiny sea turtles must embark on a perilous journey across the beach to reach the safety of the ocean, evading threats like crabs and birds. They then face the daunting task of outswimming various fish and marine predators who see them as a potential meal. Tragically, one of the most significant threats to sea turtle populations worldwide is human activity, including poaching, pollution, fishing, and the destruction of their natural habitats.
For Blanche, the challenges are even more formidable. In addition to the usual hurdles, Blanche’s leucism has stripped her of the natural camouflage that helps other sea turtles blend into their environment. This makes her exceptionally visible to predators, particularly underwater. Leucistic hatchlings like Blanche also often suffer from various malformations, including limited sight.
Blanche, a rare and breathtaking sea turtle, stands as a symbol of hope. We fervently wish for her to defy the odds and return to the sea, where she can live a long and joyful life.
Situated along a 2-kilometer stretch of golden sandy bay, Six Senses Con Dao boasts breathtaking views of the sapphire blue ocean and is nestled within a lush forest. Acknowledging the resort’s opulent amenities, exceptional services, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Six Senses Con Dao has earned recognition as a world-class property. In 2022, it was named the “Number 1 Resort in Southeast Asia” by Travel + Leisure and the “Number 15 Resort in Asia” by Conde Nast Traveller. In 2023, it was one of only four Vietnamese properties listed among the “Best Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure and was lauded as a top ecolodge by National Geographic.
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Source: Vietnam Insider