Holding a newly-hatched baby sea turtle

Holding a newly-hatched baby sea turtle in your hands seems like a privilege too great to be so openly available, but helping baby sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean has become more than just an unbelievable wonder; it has become the responsibility of the race whose actions has put these brave and majestic creatures on the endangered species list: the human race.

Every single species of sea turtle is considered threatened or endangered, which means it's more important than ever for the fledgling populations still surviving to grow. In Riviera Nayarit, a stretch of pristine beaches along Mexico's Pacific coast, I visited Platanitos Turtle Camp at Playa Las Tortugas, a place where humans are making a difference — some as volunteer "campers" and some in the lap of luxury.

Gordon Godfrey, the director of development and full-time resident of Playa Las Tortugas, gave me a tour of the property, which is located in the midst of an idyllic palm tree reserve.

Volunteers can make their way to Platanitos Turtle Camp and stay, surf, eat and sleep for just $10 per day. Some young folks come and participate for college credit, but anyone 18 or older can come, with a minimum commitment of 10 days. It's not all fun and games, though. It's hard work.

http://www.tonic.com/article/sea-turtles-need-a-little-help-platanitos-turtle...