Encounter with a Deceased Turtle on the Beach

Despite feeling unwell that day, I chose to take a stroll along the beach for some relief rather than remaining alone in the Educare faculty cottage. As I walked, I came across a turtle at the beach's edge, where the waves gently lapped at the shore. The creature lay motionless, surrounded by crows that had gathered, a somber indication of its demise. Approaching the turtle, I observed that it showed no signs of decay, and the scavenging crows were beginning to circle. Although I momentarily wished for a miraculous revival, I recognized the reality of its lifeless state. As I captured images of this once-majestic creature, some children, coincidentally my students, joined me with curiosity and excitement.

Unfortunately, their enthusiasm turned into playful behaviour, with one child standing over the turtle as I took photographs—a moment I quickly intervened to discourage. Curious about their experiences with deceased turtles, they shared that such incidents were rare, speculating that this turtle might have perished due to entanglement in a fishing net.

Concerned about the turtle's eventual decomposition, especially its sturdy outer shell, I contemplated the need to relocate or bury it. To my surprise, the next day, the turtle was nowhere to be found. Local fishermen informed me that it had been carried back into the sea. They believed it might have tragically become entangled and killed in a fishing net, as larger creatures like turtles typically have less chance of settling on the coast during low tides.