As soon as it entered the water the young olive sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) struggles against the swell to swim away from the coast. The so-called swimming frenzy lasts for approximately 48 hours to keep the hatchlings from being washed ashore. The turtles do not feed within the first days as they live on the reserves they acquired from the yolk in their eggs. The remains of the yolk sac can be seen as a 'belly button' on the underside. The swimming hatchlings often fall prey to fregate birds or larger fish.

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Photo credit: © Solvin Zankl / Alamy / Afripics
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