Nice to sea you: Baby turtles released in Oman
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa has celebrated the first turtle hatching of the season with the release of 174 sea turtles.
Hotel guests gathered on the beach as the resort’s Turtle Ranger Mohammad Al Hassani and his team guided 55 Hawksbill and Green Turtle hatchlings to the water on Saturday April 15. On April 16, an additional 19 turtle hatchlings were released and April 17 saw 20 more turtles hatch. Prior to the scheduled releases, 80 sea turtles naturally found their way to the sea from their nest on Shangri-La Al Husn Beach over the weekend.
Speaking about the Turtle Care Programme, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa general manager Juergen Doerr said: “We are fully committed to the care and protection of turtles in Oman and it is our privilege to provide a sanctuary for mother turtles, care for the hatchlings and protect these endangered species. The hatching and release of these tiny creatures is a very special moment, and we are pleased to share this experience and create lasting holiday memories with our hotel guests.”
In Oman, Turtle season falls between January and August. There are just five nesting sites in Oman, and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is one of them. The area has always been a turtle nesting site. Every year, approximately 100 turtles return to the resort’s beach to lay their eggs, with each nest containing up to 120 eggs. Last year, 92 nests produced 4, 181 hatchlings.
Sea turtle hatchlings are released at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissa...Mohammad, the Turtle Ranger at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa grew up in Qantab - a small fishing village just along the coast from the resort where he developed his passion for turtles.He patrols the resort at night checking on the nests. The resort just found out this morning that another nest is hatching so an organized release is scheduled for this afternoon!
Posted by Caterer Middle East on Thursday, April 20, 2017
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa has a dedicated turtle ranger, Mohammed Al Hasani, who has been taking care of turtles for many years. He patrols the resort’s beaches at night to ensure that mother turtles can nest in peace and that hatchlings make it to the sea. Mohammad and the team work tirelessly to raise awareness, share information, provide a sanctuary for turtles, care for hatchlings and protect these endangered species.
Turtle Ranger Mohammad shares his findings every day in the Eco Centre, which is located above Mokha Café in Al Bandar Hotel. Daily Turtle Talks commence at 5pm and are free to attend.