8-Year-Old Boy Leads Rescue of Turtle Hatchlings at Anse Galet Beach

Anse Galet Beach, St. Lucia — In the midst of national concerns over the behavior of today’s youth, one inspiring story has captured the hearts of many. Eight-year-old Shazri Pierrott organized a heartwarming rescue of endangered turtle hatchlings at Anse Galet Beach last month, showcasing his love for nature and leadership skills.

The rescue effort began when Shazri, enjoying a day at the beach with his mother, spotted a lone hatchling struggling to reach the water. “Mommy, there’s a baby turtle trying to go to the ocean,” he called out to his mother, who quickly joined him. The tiny creature was later identified by the Fisheries Department as a hawksbill turtle, a critically endangered species.

Shazri, determined to help, gently guided the hatchling into the water before embarking on a search for its nest. Using a spade his mother had bought for him, he uncovered the nest hidden beneath debris. Demonstrating impressive initiative, Shazri rallied other children on the beach, urging them to assist in his rescue mission.

“Come help me! There are baby turtles!” he shouted, and soon, the children formed a line stretching from the nest to the shoreline. Together, they passed the hatchlings along, carefully placing them into the ocean to ensure their safety from predators.

“I was so impressed with him,” Shazri’s mother, Antoine Pierrott, said. “He kept telling them, ‘No, don’t take them away. Make sure you drop them in the ocean so they can have a better chance of survival.’”

Shazri’s love for the sea and passion for nature shone throughout the rescue. The next day, he insisted on returning to the beach, hoping to save more hatchlings. Instead, he found evidence that dogs had discovered the nest, leaving paw prints in the sand. Despite this, Shazri was proud of his efforts, knowing he had helped save some of the vulnerable baby turtles.

The Fisheries Department, aware of Shazri’s initiative, has announced plans to formally recognize his heroic effort. His story stands as a reminder of the positive impact young people can make and their potential to contribute to the preservation of nature.