It’s official...Malta’s 2025 turtle hatching season has begun! On a calm evening just past 10pm, volunteers at Nest 1 witnessed the magical moment as the first hatchlings began to emerge.

After days of subtle signs that the pipping process had started, it was still uncertain exactly when the hatchlings would make their grand entrance. However, on the 50th night since the nest was laid on June 9th, nature took its course.

Over a five-hour period, 26 tiny loggerhead turtles made their way from the nest to the sea, guided only by the moonlight and monitored closely by dedicated volunteers. To minimise disturbance, the Wildlife Rescue Team used infrared cameras, and only red light, never white or flash, during the monitoring process.

The team will continue to observe the nest in the coming days, as more hatchlings may still be preparing for their journey.

It’s a proud moment for Malta’s conservation community and a beautiful reminder of the beauty of nature at work!

Watch them go!