Endangered sea turtles artificially bred in Qingdao

A female adult loggerhead longer than 100 cm, had come of age to lay her first eggs — 30 of them — said Wang Bin, vice-director of the park's marine animal breeding department.

"These eggs were carefully incubated at the appropriate temperature and environment in hopes of a successful result," Wang said.

Currently, the babies are being meticulously fed bits of jellyfish and shrimp to keep them healthy and growing.

Six that have hatched so far are in good health and can eat. Another hatchling is in poor condition and undernourished, Wang said.

The ocean park will be watching and taking care of the turtle babies — and any that hatch in the future — as the first 70 days are the most critical. That's the time they can be easily infected with bacteria and parasites, said Zhou Qingjie, the park's assistant to the general manger.

"Qingdao's dedication and commitment to preserving endangered marine animals will certainly be a starting point for future marine breeding," Zhou said.