This leatherback turtle was found at a beach in Marigot. Apparently it was in the process of laying eggs. The photos were taken yesterday.
According to seaturtles.org, “The largest of all sea turtles, and one of the largest reptiles on earth, the leatherback turtle ranges in size from 4-8 feet in length (1.2 – 2.4 meters) and weighs between 500-2,000 pounds (225 – 900 kg). The average adult measures in between 5-6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 m) and weighs 600-800 pounds (270 – 360 kg).”
“The oldest of all sea turtle species, it has been around for more than 150 million years! They have survived the mass extinction of the dinosaurs and have thrived until the last several decades when human interactions have taken a major toll.”
What a magnificent creature!
To those who do not believe in God it is only a random happening of chance. But to people of faith it is part of the great creation God said was good.
Many animals were intended for human consumption. These we may humanely kill and eat. Others are needed to maintain the delicate balance in the eco system even if we do not yet understand the role they play in this.
Intelligent people respect life. It is not proper to kill a living creature except for food or to protect ourselves against attack or the spread of disease as in the case of harmful insects, etc. This respect for life extends to a creatures eggs and its little ones. It is understandable that a man would remove the turtle eggs to a safe place to hatch.
It is a good thing for parents to teach their children respect for animal life. Later they will understand that this applies even more to human life and the life of the unborn!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, International Evangelist.
i love turtles
so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
they are so awsome.shame on the humans how chose to kill such magnificent creatures hames!!!!!!! 
people.why.they were there before you .you have no right to kill them. 
why 
.
Hi DNO
Thanks for the great response on the need to take the eggs. It all makes sense.
Sorry to the others for being such a fool for asking a question about the status of the turtle. Things happen. The turtle could have died after laying the eggs which may have been why it was found on the beach (that was my thinking) because I did not understand what it was still doing on the beach when they found it.
Some of us think too much and just need to be shallow like every one else and don’t question anything.
Sorry
Damn People I was there. there were police officers and the man as sent by forestry and wildlife division and their was also an individual from ROSTI there on the scene so DUMBINICANS give it a rest plz
Omg!!! Dats not how turtle eggs are supposed to be collected. They are very sensitive n should be done wit the correct bag. This sort of handling aint gud
and the guy digging and interrupting the laying process by adding stress is a what ? professional? god sometimes i sware
Idiot once the turtle starts laying eggs nothing on this earth can stop her from doing so.. there is no stress this is how ppl do it anywhere leather backs lay their eggs.. my gosh i really wish DNO start using FACBOOK with this site so we could see the dotish faces with the dotish comments.
Why is it always the ignorant who want to comment. Find out first people, educate yourselves. @ Jayjay and the variety of ignorant people: This is not the only turtle that comes to lay in Dominica. They are all over the east coast. The wildlife officers have to patrol the beach at LaPlaine etc in the middle of night, so they can collect the eggs as the leatherbacks lay. This is done to protect the eggs from being washed away by the sea or stolen. Do you expect the whole of Dominca to be employed in watching over individual nests 24 hours a day. get real. Do you all think its for fun? Don’t you think that if protecting the leatherbacks in this manner was not working, that this method would be continued?? the difference is that this one came during the day, so it would obviously draw attention, hence the gathering of people. I suspect a lot of comments here come from outside of Dominica – Dominicans who think they always have the answer and people at home are so stupid and never know what they are doing. Don’t embarass yourselves people. (by the way I am out of Dominica – just not an ignorant Dominican)
Hi DNO, I think it would have been safer to mark the spot where the eggs are and keep 24 hour watch over the area until the eggs hatch. I would like to know why the authorities prefered to take the eggs to another place.
Also, I did not get whether the turtle was dead or alive
No it’s actually better to protect them in spacial places. Once hatched they are returned to the same beach and are released.. This increases their chances of survival. Alot of baby turtles die b4 even entering the water because of crabs birds and humans. Some of them head the wrong way they use the moon as a guidance to the sea. The village and city lights can confuse them. With special teams around the island we make sure they get a good heads up by ensuring a bigger percentage of them at least get in the water. From there they are on their own. Some may die few will return to lay their eggs on the same shores where they were born no matter what waters they may be in the world
these are some real patriotic Dominicans right there lol 
These could be a real big feature of the nature isle. We need to protect and push these things
I never hear dead turtles laying eggs yet. Ou Sot Garcon !
tres sot lololol!!!
LMAO, LMAO
DNO please follow up on your pictures please!!
The Eggs are collected and are placed in special thermostatic shacks that are set to a particular temperature to help the turtles hatch. By doing this this ensures that a greater percentage of the baby turtles are hatched and at least make it back to sea. Once they get in the water they are own their own to defend for them self. Dominica is known to get hundreds of these turtles we have seasons when we scout on the beaches and wait for them we protect them here in Dominica. Please do a story on this put more attention in the matter. Alot of ppl dedicate their lives to these creatures
These Animals are special..They return to the place of their birth to lay eggs 
No matter where on earth they find them self they always swim back to the same beach or island to lay their eggs GOD is great these animals navigate with no GPS only their natural instincts. I remember one we were tracking for years Lou she was tracked all the way in Canada waters and swam back to lay her eggs 
Please do some interviews or a special DNO Thanks.
in total agreement!!
My fellow dominicans really got a huge sense of homour
cant believe int this day and age some of us are still so foolish. the man is a man from forestry come one people you think with all this people and camera the man would be stealing the eggs. those who wants DNO to report it to the highest authority should stop reading and just look at pictures cause they are reading but not understanding what they are reading. for you all info there are person who spend sleepless nights at the beach to prevent people like you from stealing the turlte or her eggs to eat with all you lentils and dumpling. get a life and volunteer to be a guide and you will understand.
i blame dno. they should have expounded on what was happening inthe pictures. i at first wondered why the egss were being removed.
Does anyone know how many eggs were collected?
For all those bashing their fellow Dominicans on here for only going by what they see please stop. Turtles have been alive for thousands of years and I think they know how to lay eggs without someone in their “to-bo-da”! What that guy doing in the picture is unnecessary. Survival of the fittest. so if some die thats just how it suppose to be.
Your mother make three children already, would you then come and tell her how to make the fourth child? Dude just need to back the hell out of the turtle’s ass. Turtle got it shit under controll! I would like to see if this was a crocodile laying eggs, if the idiot would be all up in the Croc’s ass!
That’s jus being stupid……..if only u knew the purpose of securing the eggs then u would not sound so much like an illiterate…….i think u need to upgrade ur knowledge on these things and stop tlkin bullshit
Thanks to DNO – for bringing pictures of this lovely creature to our homes.
Thanks to DNO – for printing the unabashedly dispassionate opinions of the ignorant.
Thanks to DNO – for allowing the informed to educate us on the reality of what is actually taking place.
Thanks to DNO – for showing Dominica and Dominicans in their true colors.
WHAT A COUNTRY !!! I LOVE IT !!
And I love your comments, Bush Doctor! DNO, you should save the comments of Bush Doctor given here and show it now and then. It’s true what he says.
niceee turtle soup! :-)
thats not marigot beach. is not cabana the turtle came in nuh?
there are so many beaches around that coast i would get lost looking 4 marigot beach. hehe!
cabana is in marigot…
Since when did Cabana become Marigot?
DThe man is correct in collecting the eggs and taking them to a safer place. Some people just like to open their mouth before getting the facts. I have watch documentaries where the same procedure this man is doing has been done to protect the turtle’s eggs. All who are running their mouth stupidly must go and do some research on the internet. Make use of the internet, instead of using it to spread filth.
he should like nature take it’s course
I am shocked!!!! A turtle in the day????? Wow!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes . It happenes every now and then, that turtles come up during the day time to lay. A few years ago, one Saturday morning about 9:30, a Hawksbill (kawet) came up on the beach near Valley Engineering along the Goodwill Road, and laid its eggs. That caused quite a bit of traffic congestion as curious passers-by wanted to findout what was going on. Only about 2 years ago one afternoon, a leatherback came up on Cabana Beach and laid.
What the hell wrong with you dumbass Dominicans. You guys see a picture or a man removing the turtle eggs and you all are saying that the man is stealing the eggs or taking the eggs and how thats illegal OMG..it should be illegal to be that ignorant and stupid…The dude is surround by a crowd of people how the fck is taking the eggs..he is taking it out from under the mother and an on the shore for safety it’s pretty fcking obvious…sometimes i am really ashamed to say i’m a Dominican…Oh gosh man.
Can you not tell all the people who comment on DNO are Dominicans? Stop bashing your folks for no reason.
who more dumb than you? Look at your first sentence.
“You guys see a picture or a man removing the turtle eggs and you all are saying that the man is stealing the eggs or taking the eggs and how thats illegal ”
You said it yourself. That what they see. A man hands in the position of removing the eggs. They are correct also that’s illegal to do so. The picture doesn’t indicate anything else. Do all turtles in the world have a human being in their ass taking out eggs ? How can you tell from the picture that’s what his intentions are. The last time I checked you’re not a mind reader. I mean seriously you getting for no reason. Off course he could take the eggs with those people standing around, cause as a dumb ass dominican yourself you know how all you like to cover for each other, even when the evidence is clear. What if he decide to steal the eggs another dominican going to stop him? Maybe so, but I don’t believe that at all.
You’re ashamed to say you’re a Dominican because you have no sense of self, you probably one of those who want to be white in another lifetime and maybe your life is pathetic that you resort to this kind of behavior. If so we feel sorry for you and now that you have let the anger out, go see a doctor.
Don’t you know that this is why DNO is visited very often? Interesting stories and pics so people can share their very vivid dominican opinion on. Stop the drama!
I would give this reply from Aaaaaa…..the award for the most stupid comment of the year!!!!!!
I agree with that statement. Dcans too foolish most times rather than less the time. Almost like there is no thinking before saying things. Plus we act as if we are uneducated, when I know for a fact that dcans are more educated with the basics than majority of the first world.
Bash me all you all want now but the guy/ girl is correct
Is this guy trying to catch the eggs with his hand? Oh please, why don’t you all let nature take it’s course.
I know.. really. Like turtles need humans (the most dangerous animals on the planet) to help them lay eggs. LMAO!
the eggs should not be touched so soon,please read about the leatherbacks,dominicans just think of eating all the time.
why dont u do reasearch yur self b4 you talk shit. the eggs are collected a.s.a.p the sooner the better to be treated. smh u know nothing
Totally agree, he is collecting the eggs to bring to a Chinese restaurant
Don’t be an ass…….the eggs are collected so they could be placed in a secure place from poachers……so is not to eat..if they are not secure ,how all u expect them to hatch…………….
Intead of taking the eggs away can they not come up with a way to protect the breading ground until it is hatched? Seeing we know these creatures return to the same place. The experts should be able to come up with something instead of taking the eggs away.
we are distrubing nature and thinking we are helping? ALL FOR NATURE ISLAND of the caribbean.
I hope someone have some smoked for when i come home
R U STUPED U CAN;T KILL THESE IN DOMINICA OK
oh so u think
I have witnessed over five leather back turtles even bigger than this one laying eggs in Madamas Bay in Trinidad. They take almost an hour to make it to their area of choice on the sand and to did the hole. Once they begin laying it does not matter if people are around them or not they will continue laying. What they do is lay a first 15 to 20 eggs that are supposed to serve as cushion for the real eggs and then go on to lay 60 to 80 good eggs. When they are finished laying they use their back fins to cover the holes just as they use them to dig them and then head back slowly to the sea. Once they hit the water if you look on for about half a minute, you will see the head up, they take a breath and they are gone – trust me they swim really fast.
I have pictures of those moments and I tell you, the persons who kill them when they meet them laying, they are wicked and heartless. When you witness this, you just have to admit that God is indeed a great God!
You went all the way to Tobago to see that? These Creatures have been laying eggs here in Dominica for thousands of years there are teams which scout and protect them we even have tutrle watch at nights! I have seen some way bigger than the one in the pics. Dominica must start broadcasting this more. We have done interviews with foringers about this.. DNO need to do a special on this. We need to broadcast it just as we do with Whale watching. We have Turtle scots and watch tours. More ppl can volenter and help preserve some of Dominicas oldest inhabitants
I would really like to know who is taking the eggs? if its not wildlife experts these people need to be held accountable..they are there shopping like they are at a supermarket..leave the animal alone. all you too fast!! that guy in the Blue shirt you acting well desperate.
There was also a whale pretty close to shore today…….in the waters along the canefield cliff…
HHEHEH I ALSO SAW ONE IN COLIHAUT! THE WHALE NOT THE TURTLE….
Its beautiful to see something like this…..such a massive, ancient creature calls dominica its home and returns every year to reproduce <3
I wonder what the “Creationists” think about the fact that it is said here that the leather-back turtle has been around for 150 million years…
well you know they’re going to refute that. because their “magical” creator has a special plan… oy vey
holy mary mother of…. 
You see people like you are so pathetic that you have try everything in your worthless life in an attempt to bring others down. Because you have no idea where your life is and where you’re going you resort to actig like an idiot. I know few doctors from college who believe in God and I know a few well educated who don’t. Both are well spoken and respectful off different views. Its funny you ask worthless character like yourself what you believe created this earth, what has given each person a DNA so clearly distinct and all you all come up with is that some meteor came from the sky or the best one that humans came from APEs. We know that things of the earth are repeative mothers constantly give birth to babies. I haven’t seen one man do that in my 29 years. I don’t think my parents have etc etc. Another thing I haven’t seen is another human evolve from an APE.
I’m not a bible thumper . I don’t go to church and I don’t identify with any religion. But one thing I know there is a magical creator. The proof is in humans , the earth and life. You poor thing its quite unfortunate that your going through whatever you’re going through and need a way to vent! I’m not sure how creation and the magical creator got caught up in this. See what people do for a little attention. Well now that I’ve given it to you, go find yourself boo!
@Aaaaa
It is sad that there are many agnostics and atheists in the world. Instead of believing in God and that He is the Creator of the world and human beings of all and worshipping Him they appear to be proud of not believing in God and not going to Church. When that inevitable day comes and you are faced with your eternal judgment what is going to happen to your soul? Where will your soul end up for all eternity?
Holy Scriptures teaches us, “Do not depend on our own understanding but the one which comes from God.” Depend on God.
It is a sad dilemma that many are depending on their own understanding and thoughts as imbedded in their heart. Satan, the enemy of God and of our souls would like you to believe and constantly keep in your heart that there is no God and that God did not create the world.
My advice to you is to pray to God and ask Him to enlighten you as to His existence and He being the Creator of the world. Wait for His response. Also pray for His blessing, graces and virtues. Read good religious books which will enlighten you accordingly.
Only by faith we will believe. As the saying, “Faith is not taught. It is caught”, from the heart and mind.
St. Paul said, “We are walking by faith and not by sight but one day we will be walking by sight.” Therefore, believe and practice the faith.
I recall the following that an atheist said, no doubt when he was dying: “O God, if there is a God, have mercy on my soul if I have a soul.”
At that time of transition from life to death when their entire life is revealed to them, it is then that they get scared.
The following is an article which I copied from a book entitled: “The Wonders She Performs.” I will not elaborate on this except to quote the article.
Someone related the story St. Augustine told of a man, Genadius (in ancient times). The man was praying continuously that God would solve his dilemma – of not believing there is a God.
One day God sent an Angel to the foot of his bed, while he was fast asleep. The Angel asked, “Genadius, do you hear me?” “Yes, I hear you.” Do you hear me with your ears?” “No I’m fast asleep. I do not know what I hear you with.” “Genadius, do you see me?” “Yes I do see you.” “Do you see me with your eyes?” “No I’m fast asleep. I do not know what I see you with.” “Genadius, are you speaking to me?” “Yes, I am speaking to you.” “Are you speaking to me with your mouth?” “No my mouth is closed, I do not know what I am speaking to you with.” Genadius, you heard me, you saw me, and you spoke to me with your immortal soul. There is a God.”
Some people would like God to come down and show Himself to them before they believe that He exists and that He is the Creator of the world and human beings and living things. The mystery is believing. All things will be revealed in God’s time and when we die. If God did not create them who did? Ask yourself this question.
I am stating that it was not evolution. The word “Evolution” is man-made.devised. Evolution has no power to create the world, human beings and living things.
Take a look at the beauty around you, the trees, stars, sceneries, rivers, this beautiful turtle, etc. Marvel at them including the island of Dominica and Dominicans. They did not come by chance. God created them.
We have a purpose on earth. When we die we will be judged according to our words and actions. The good/holy to Heaven, the bad/non-believers and non-worshippers may end up in Hell for all eternity. I would not wish the latter on anyone. I pray that God assists me in my lifetime to remain faithful to Him and to obtain eternal salvation.
Christians are obligated to pray not only for also Christian unity but for those who do not believe and the fallen away Christians. May God assist you accordingly.
Holy Scriptures: “…Not the half has been told…Oh what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
I CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION
In the bible god created the earth and then the animals then man…So animals and creatures were romaing here b4 man.. one day for the Gods is thousands of years for man. After Adam and eve ate from the tree we became moertal sinners. Our gift of everlasting God like life was shortened. Man cant live one day of a God. The oldest recorded ppl on earth were the sons and grand sons of Adam some living to 900+ years but never 1000. The bible has an explanation for everything.. Scienece is the attempt of us understanding the language of God. See here ppl who give their life to christ will have a seat in heaven.. ppl who dont belive in him think its lighs out after death.. what would u say when u find out u are wrong?
good day ppl. I rely believe the atheist ppl commenting on DNO are the gay guys and gyals that run from Dominica to foreigner lol enjoy ur day ppl.
My Dear friends, if you believe in God and read your bible and understand it, you would certainly know that all of creation is no more that 10,000 years old. Stop making fun of things you know nothing about and go read, understand and be wise.
Dear Eagleye, you are in idiot. thanks for proving My2sense correct. smh
Eagleeye:
It is exactly what you are, an eagle eye who appears to have no common sense and knows absolutely nothing about how many years the world, created by God has been in existence.
Show us where in the Bible that the world is 10,000 years old. Also quote the passage and number so that we can look it up. In any case, noting that many have reprinted and interpreted the Holy Bible to suit their teaching ideologies, which Bible is this information taken from?
The world is certainly older than 10,000 years.
One day, this too will be revealed to us. The truth and inaccuracies, the latter as falsely taught by the false indoctrinators of our times.
The denial of God, His existence and the truth that He created the world, of human beings and all what is in it, the majority of it for our existence, enjoyment and health.
Religious doubts, uncertainties, denials which cause disagreements, friction, lack of love, peace and enmity will cease then and the truth will be revealed.
On that day there are those who will stand in awe. While others may stand in awe, it will be to their eternal detriment.
Let us pray that while God is giving us an allotted time, to make the most of the opportunity, religious and otherwise and pray to Him for enlightenment.
Now is the time to root out all uncertainties about God and certain amount of years He created the world which are false teachings.
We cannot approach God for our final judgment with all these doubts, false teachings and inaccuracies. Consider that these must be rooted out of us right here on earth during our lifetime lest we regret it eternally. Know the facts!
Literal interpretation of the Bible has caused yuour eagle eye to be very nearsighted. You should take it to Dr. Shillingford-Rickets
They came from APES what you expect….lols
It is a good thing that you said: “it is said here”, and not that “it is”, because as your doubt shows, it really isn’t. Your words show that you yourself seem to doubt the 150 million years of which you are speaking.
well put!
A day will come when u’ll will call on The Creator.
ah stupessssss. who is so brave to see so many people around and be takig eggs? come on people dnt look or sound stupid. they are the people working with the forestry and wildlife division. the night watchers while u guys r asleep. they are the ones who help to protect these leatherback turtles.
What de B C is that ‘ What fisheries and wild life doing about that? some body should be on this already or as soon as possible, if this guy is not someone who is taking these eggs to protect them ,then this would be a sad sight to see here.MAN that,s a hell of a turtle there,I hope they are going to protect this Beauty of Nature to do her thing…right there on the beach .
People the only thing I am worried about is where they put the eggs. Research say turtles return to their birth to lay. If u centralize all the eggs, what’s going to happen:1, D hotel owner going to gain all the benefit (controlled tourist) 2, Locals (kids) might not be able to see one on their village beach 3, Locals may have to pay to go see these animals in d hotel setting. LAST but by no means least— La Plaine people going to feel betrayed- moving their wildlife to other places.
b4 a turtle reach La Plane lentills on fire!
so you want it stay there to be kiled or move to a safe spot!
4 real. I believe they have considered all of those concerns; but keep telling them.
Was Edison James around to see that humoungous turtle in his backyard, or was he busy in court at the time talking about dual citizenship?
seriously? my god
WHERE EDISON JAMES COMING IN THERE? STUPID DUMB #%$
thats stupidity at its best
That’s a Jennyass!
Dominican has no laws for wild life, lawless? I hope someone in authority is looking at this, why are these people taking the eggs mann, DNO pleased am asking you am plying diligently,pleased report this to the highest authority in your country pleased.
u think to yourself u making any sense at all
don’t you think if they were taking or stealing those eggs
would they let the public to put them on media like that
knowing that it is against the law..be real have some
common sense
THANK YOU
People has it occured to you all that the persons taking the eggs are forestry officials?
lol..no plp if dey leave d eggs here den plp gona cum back and take dem 2 cook..so dey remove d eggs as soon as d turtle drops it..it a process..u no dese days plp eat dem even d eggs..so dey ship d eggs 2 a different location..cld b on d same beach or mayb rosali 2..where dere’s a nestin place 4 dem especially..
THEY TAKE THEM FOR BREEDING MORE THATS ALL, THE GUY IS A WILDLIFE OFFICER PEOPLE.
@ worried dominican, pea brained, unbias etc.:
thats what i’m saying. but some a**hole below gave me a thumbs down.
she came to lay her eggs, they should not have disturbed her nest. you can look and take photos,
but let the turtle be. As Dominican we need to better learn how to respect wildlife (especially endangered species)
THEY PERSON TAKING THE EGGS IS A WILDLIFE OFFICER, RELAX PEOPLE “AWE TEF BUT NOR SO BRAZEN, NOR WEN CAMERA DEH ARN”
That cowine lucky wi…miss the pot.. all u sleeping in marigot…
Well DNO i wonder if that is the full story…I cannot believe this man is bold-facedly taking the turtle eggs and nobody is stopping him or saying anything….Is he from ROSTI or Ministry of Wildlife or any organisation like that??? I’d like to know before I jump up and make assumptions, please.
but you already make the assumption….so what’s your point…stupes tan!!
are they taking the eggs. do we understand that this is illeagal.
What non-sense that? why are they taking the eggs?
Foolish people know nothing not even trying to protect. taking the eggs right when the turtle is laying
they do that every year cuz if they dont then locals kill the turtles and turn around and still take the eggs.. and no the guy is not stealing the eggs… hes a volunteer engage by the forestry devision when its turtle nesting time and there were 2 police officers on the scene so please ppl give it a rest.
this guy needs to be arrested i hope the government took some action,its against international law to take the eggs.
A wildlife officer? you guys just assume the worst in everything and everybody
Damn that is huge!!!!
wow… thats a big turtle
please people do not kill it,why are you all messing with the eggs.they are an endangered species please let it free.she came to lay her eggs.
this specie of turtle is around for around 150 million years, it knows how to survive
lol thats a survivor eh
Beautiful. I hope they allow it to lay its eggs and go back to sea.
why are they disrupting this turtle and stealing her eggs?
This should not be allowed!!
they are taking the eggs to move to a safer area on the beach! if she was disturbed she would have gone back to the sea!
they are not stealing the eggs,
.