Page 50 - World of Animals - Issue #28 Magazine

Explore the Earth

Costa Rica:

Watch turtles

laying eggs

Costa Rica is a haven for sea turtles. It’s a
great place to go and experience first-

hand the life cycle of one of Earth’s most
ancient creatures. During nesting season,
turtles line the coasts, laying dozens of
eggs to bury beneath the sand for safety.
The six species have different nesting
seasons at different sites. There are
always turtles laying eggs somewhere in
Costa Rica, which means there are almost
always hatchlings emerging. The coasts
of Costa Rica are strongholds for these
turtles, particularly the leatherback sea
turtle that has declined by 90 per cent
since 1980, and much conservation work
goes on here. Its possible to stand back
and take in the sight of hundreds of small
turtles making their frantic dash to the
sea, or you can volunteer for one of the
many organisations working to protect the
turtle’s future.

Norway: See polar

bears on safari

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago and one of
the best places to see polar bears and other iconic
Arctic wildlife. Race across the snowy tundra in
the company of an experienced guide and take
in the astonishing beauty of the icy landscape
and secluded fjords. Many companies
offer snowmobile safaris, giving you the
opportunity to witness wild polar bears
roaming the ice in their natural habitat.
You’re not guaranteed to see a bear but
to increase your chances, it’s best to visit
in the summer, before the ice freezes
over and the dark days draw in.
Zig-zagging across the ice sheets
on a snowmobile means you won’t
have to rely on husky-drawn sleds,
giving the dogs a break. If you’re

lucky, you may even fit in seeing
the Northern Lights.

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