Mama Orbe’s Sanctuary: A Beacon of Hope for Sea Turtles in Colombia’s Pacific Paradise
On the Colombian Pacific coast, where the lush jungle meets the vast Pacific Ocean, ancient creatures emerge from the sea each night to continue a life cycle that has been repeated for millions of years. This is Playa Cuevita in El Valle, Chocó, a region as beautiful as it is remote, and home to one of nature's most extraordinary spectacles—the nesting of sea turtles.
At the heart of this spectacle is Mama Orbe, a turtle sanctuary that is as much about the conservation of these majestic creatures as it is about the legacy of a family and a community united by love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the environment. This is their story.
The Origins of Mama Orbe’s Sanctuary
The story of Mama Orbe begins over a decade ago with a young man named Darío, who had a deep passion for the sea turtles that visited his homeland. He founded the Corporación Tortugas del Pacífico 11 years ago, driven by a desire to protect these endangered animals.
Darío’s work was tough and profound: every single night, he would collect sea turtle eggs, nurture them, and ensure that the newborn turtles had the best chance of survival as they made their perilous journey back to the ocean. Almost as important as this daily ritual for protecting the eggs was his commitment to teaching his local community about the importance of preserving ecosystems and defending nature.
Darío’s dedication earned him the nickname "Turtle Man," a testament to the deep connection he had with these creatures. Sadly, Darío passed away last year, but his legacy lives on through his family, led by his mother, Orfilia Bermudez—affectionately known as Mama Orbe.
Five years ago, Mama Orbe officially took up the mantle, transforming her son’s work into a full-fledged sanctuary. Today, the sanctuary is a family affair, with Mama Orbe’s three daughters—Kenya, Namibia, and Mali—alongside her two sons, husband, and grandchildren, all working together to continue Darío’s mission.
A Day in the Life at Mama Orbe’s Sanctuary
The work at Mama Orbe’s sanctuary is relentless, demanding dedication both day and night. Sea turtles do not take vacations, and neither does the family. Every evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, volunteers split into groups to patrol a 9-kilometer stretch of Playa Cuevita. Armed with nothing but red-light headlamps, a bag, and an intimate knowledge of the beach, they search for sea turtles as the creatures emerge from the ocean to lay their eggs.
The process is delicate and requires extreme care. Once a nest is found, the eggs are carefully collected and transported to the sanctuary, where they are reburied in a secure, protected area. This controlled environment shields the eggs from predators—both wild and domestic—and from the ever-changing climate that could otherwise destroy them.
The work doesn’t end there. During the day, the team monitors the eggs, ensuring they receive just the right amount of sunlight and moisture. Too much heat can kill the embryos, while too little can stunt their development. When the hatchlings finally emerge, the team gathers them, keeping them safe from the scorching sun until they are released at sunset, giving them the best possible start as they make their way into the ocean.
Mama Orbe herself explains it with a laugh: “When it’s really hot, more females hatch because women are hotter! When it’s cooler, we get more males because men are colder!”
The Challenges: Conservation in a Remote Paradise
Operating a sanctuary in one of the most isolated regions of Colombia comes with its fair share of challenges. For one, the sanctuary receives no government support. All of its operations are funded by responsible eco-tourism and donations, making every contribution vital.
Then there’s the issue of connectivity. The sanctuary and the surrounding community rely on supplies brought in by boat from Bahía Solano, making even basic necessities hard to come by. But perhaps the most significant challenge is the pollution that washes ashore. This remote paradise is burdened with plastic waste carried across the ocean by currents from thousands of miles away, posing a severe threat to the turtles and the local environment.
Despite these challenges, Mama Orbe and her family remain undeterred. Their commitment to the turtles is rooted in love—love for the animals, for the ocean, and for the life that Darío dedicated himself to protecting.
Changing Hearts and Minds: Community Involvement
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mama Orbe’s work is the impact it has had on the local community. In a region where eating turtle meat and eggs was once commonplace, the sanctuary has led a cultural shift. Through education and community engagement, they have taught the people of El Valle to see the turtles not as a resource to be consumed, but as a vital part of the marine ecosystem that needs protection.
Mama Orbe recounts a story of a young girl who, after visiting the sanctuary with her school, refused to let her mother eat a turtle egg. The girl’s protest was so strong that the mother ended up bringing the egg to Mama Orbe the next day, understanding for the first time the importance of what her daughter had learned.
The Legacy
Mama Orbe’s sanctuary is more than just a project; it’s a testament to the power of community, the importance of conservation, and the enduring legacy of one man’s dream.
We visited this sanctuary in March 2024, where we had the privilege of meeting Mama Orbe, her family, and the community. Her dedication and love for nature were nothing short of an explosion of inspiration for us—an example of vocation, dedication, and the spirit of sharing.
Inspired by her story and the breathtaking beauty of the Andean moorlands and the jungles around Chiribiquete National Park, we created Salvaje Tropical—a collection of art prints that is both simple and profoundly meaningful, with the goal of raising funds to support projects like Mama Orbe's.
If you want to learn more about Mama Orbe's project, be sure to visit her Instagram profiles: Mama Orbe and Pacific Turtles. And if you’re planning a trip to Colombia, we encourage you to visit Chocó—its jungles, its ocean, and of course, Mama Orbe herself. Sit down with her for a refreshing coconut water and let her inspiring stories take you on a journey.
