Con Dao sets historic record: 17 albino sea turtles hatch from a single nest

At the incubation site on Hon Cau Island, part of Con Dao National Park, a nest of 78 turtle eggs successfully hatched 56 young, including a stunning 17 albino sea turtles. This is not only the largest number of albino hatchlings from a single clutch but also the highest total ever recorded in Con Dao. This extremely rare genetic phenomenon brought great joy and astonishment to the entire conservation team.

17 "miracles" on Hon Cau Island garner significant attention

The moment the first albino turtle broke through the sand occurred in the early morning of October 27. The lucky individual to make the discovery was Nguyen Van Vung, a veteran conservation officer on Hon Cau Island. His surprise and delight quickly spread through the entire conservation team as the ivory-colored hatchlings, with their translucent, white-rimmed shells and pink eyes, began to crawl out.

Subsequently, Nguyen Tien Van Phai, a staff member from the Con Dao National Park tourism office, gently excavated the remaining albino and normal hatchlings from the nest with his colleagues. The team was thrilled to witness such a rare and significant event in large numbers for the first time. Vung, who has decades of experience in sea turtle conservation at the National Park and local ranger stations, confirmed the significance, stating, "This is the first time we have witnessed such a large number of albino sea turtles in a single nest. This phenomenon is truly exceptional and is the highest count ever recorded in Con Dao."

Albinism in turtles is a rare genetic mutation caused by a lack of pigmentation, resulting in light-colored shells, compromised camouflage, and often accompanied by birth defects. According to experts, the estimated ratio of albino sea turtles appearing in the wild is only about 1 in 100,000 to 150,000 individuals. The simultaneous birth of 17 relatively healthy individuals (barring a few defects) from a single nest is a statistical miracle. Despite their unique appearance, albino turtles face far greater health challenges. Among the 17 hatchlings born that morning, some were noted to have beautiful, flexible red eyes. Conversely, a few others exhibited congenital defects such as being born without eyes or having missing flippers, highlighting the harsh reality of genetic mutations.

Prior to this record-breaking event, Con Dao had recorded a few isolated albino turtle cases. Specifically, on July 4, 2025, a single green sea turtle albino was born at the 'Let’s Get Cracking' incubation center located within the Six Senses Con Dao resort, emerging from a nest of 115 eggs. Another single albino turtle was recorded at the same resort in 2023. Annually, the National Park usually records about three to four nests with albino occurrences, but most of those hatchlings suffer from severe, non-viable defects. Thus, as of early 2025, Con Dao National Park has successfully hatched around 30 albino turtles, including this latest group of 17, a number that far surpasses previous years and indicates a notable difference in the genetic factor this breeding season.

Despite the great biological significance of the event, the survival journey for albino turtles is incredibly difficult. Bui Thi Thu Hien, Director of the IUCN sea turtle conservation support organization, stated that while the general survival rate for hatchlings is 1 in 1,000, the survival rate for albinos in the wild is practically non-existent. Albino turtles face compounded risks due to their lack of pigment, which severely compromises their camouflage, making them easy targets for predators like crabs, birds, and large fish.

Furthermore, their frequent congenital defects significantly impair their ability to swim, forage, and survive. Due to genetic factors and environmental pollution impacts, very few albino turtles are observed reaching maturity in nature; most are only recorded at the egg or newly hatched stage. The birth of a healthy albino capable of surviving to reproductive age is an extremely rare occurrence—a true miracle of nature. Following the hatching, conservation staff performed health checks and released all the hatchlings, including the healthy albino individuals, back into the sea to begin their challenging struggle for survival.

Con Dao National Park's exemplary conservation efforts

The birth of the albino turtles once again affirms Con Dao’s crucial role in sea turtle conservation, not only for Vietnam but for the entire region. Con Dao is regarded as one of the most important nesting grounds for sea turtles in Vietnam, accounting for up to 90% of the country's total nesting mothers. The Green Sea Turtle (Vích) is the primary species nesting here, with the breeding season extending annually from April to November.

The conservation work at Con Dao National Park has become an exemplary model. Since the start of the 2025 breeding season in April, the National Park has successfully rescued and relocated approximately 2,900 nests to safe incubation pools. Of these, around 2,300 to 2,400 nests have successfully hatched, safely releasing nearly 200,000 hatchlings back into the ocean. The annual hatching success rate remains consistently above 87%. These tireless efforts, which include patrolling, egg rescue, tagging mother turtles, and organizing volunteer programs, have helped Con Dao become a recognized member of the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean sea turtle conservation networks. The event of 17 albino turtles hatching is a highlight, demonstrating nature's marvelous response to the persistent efforts to preserve marine life in Vietnam's "sea turtle capital."