Baby Turtles Despawn When Hatched From Player Placed Eggs

Baby Turtle Eggs were planted on a beach.  While waiting for the baby turtles to grow up, I left them in a completely enclosed area.  The area had no way for drowned or other enemies to attack.  I walked more than 44 blocks away on a Simulation Distance 4 realm.  When I returned the baby turtles had disappeared.