Back to Rayong: A Day with Turtles, Vets, and Broadcasters - Jun 25

We returned to the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center in Rayong—this time with two broadcasters eager to see the hands-on conservation work we’ve been part of. One of the highlights was feeding baby fish to blind sea turtles. With no eyesight to guide them, they relied entirely on their senses, taking their time with each bite.

We also helped clean the turtle pond, using Scotch-Brite pads to scrub away slippery algae and grime—not just on the pond surface, but on the turtles’ shells too. It felt like a spa day for the turtles. Some were even wrapped in blankets with eye protectors, looking completely relaxed—but these were actually sick turtles that couldn’t breathe properly underwater.

Later, we assisted the vet in cleaning wounds on flippers caused by fishing net entanglements—small injuries with big stories behind them.

And perhaps the most moving moment of the day: it was time to release two grown-up turtles back into the sea. Watching them return to their natural home was a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

So much happened in just one day—full of sweat, care, and joy. A day we won’t forget.