Head-start programs that raise sea turtle hatchlings in captivity before release aim to improve survival rates but raise welfare questions about captive rearing.
Sea turtle head-start programs raise welfare questions about the quality of captive rearing for animals that need ocean-adapted behaviors for survival. Captive-reared turtles that lack normal behavioral development may have reduced survival regardless of size advantage at release. The welfare of captive-reared hatchlings must be considered alongside the uncertain conservation benefit of head-starting programs.