For over 110 million years, sea turtles have journeyed across our oceans, surviving through Earth’s greatest changes. Today, all seven species are at risk of extinction. Human activities like pollution, poaching, bycatch, habitat destruction, and climate change are threatening their survival more than ever before.

Sea turtles are essential to the balance of our marine ecosystems. They help control jellyfish populations, which is important because jellyfish blooms can disrupt fisheries, harm other marine life, and damage ocean health. Turtles also maintain healthy seagrass beds and support coral reef growth. Yet their path to adulthood is filled with danger. Only one in 1,000 hatchlings survives. From the moment they emerge from their nests, they face predators, plastic pollution, and warming seas. It is a difficult journey where few make it, but every life that does is vital to the health of our oceans.

In Penang, we are privileged to be part of their story. Our shores welcome two endangered species: the green sea turtle and the olive ridley. These turtles return to nest year after year. This makes Penang more than just a destination., it is a sanctuary. With collective effort, we have the chance to protect this natural heritage and ensure that sea turtles continue to thrive for generations to come.