Fifteen years ago, in March 2010, the dive team at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives spotted an injured female Olive Ridley turtle in urgent need of care. The team named this turtle Oceane, and it instigated one of the longest and most successful turtle rehabilitation programs of its type in the Indian Ocean.

Oceane was rehabilitated and released using the basic resources available at the Maldivian resorts. In 2011, a generous guest donation funded the construction of a turtle pool, which attracted several more turtles. The same year, in partnership with local environmental agency Reefscapers, The Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP) was born, and the first of two Four Seasons Maldives Rehabilitation Centres was inaugurated at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has rehabilitated more than 500 sea turtles through this Turtle Rehabilitation Programme. More than 280 have been released back into the wild following long-term rehab. Since 2010, developments have included the creation of an ocean enclosure, the development of prosthetic flippers and satellite tagging, the arrival of onsite turtle veterinarians, and upgraded medical facilities such as an endoscope, underwater ultrasound scanner, a laser therapy machine, and the capacity to perform complex surgeries under general anaesthesia.

Highlights of the past 15 years of the Turtle Rehabilitation Program at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives include:

The Flying Turtles
The “Flying Turtles” Program was started in 2016 to rehome turtles that cannot be released due to injuries such as missing flippers or buoyancy issues. To date, six turtles have been rehomed to overseas oceanariums and marine centres, where they act as ambassadors for the plight of their species. One of the first Flying Turtles, an amputee named Peggy, rediscovered how to dive while living in an oceanarium in Belgium. In 2019, she returned to the Maldives to be released into the wild and made an extraordinary journey of more than 5,700 kilometres (3,500 miles) back to her natal grounds on the east coast of India.

Innovative Educational Programs
A commitment to inspire the next generation of ocean conservationists is key to the turtle conservation program at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. At Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers initiative supports young adventurers to become champions of marine life, from helping to look after turtles to learn more about their plight worldwide. Now in its third year, Landaa’s Marine Biology internship inspires the next generation of Maldivian marine advocates. For young guests visiting Landaa, an onsite Trainee Marine Biologist program offers six modules – turtle, dolphin, coral, manta, plankton and aquarist – to engage scientifically minded teens: several participants are now at university studying biology. The Marine Savers team also works with local communities and schools, NGOs, and scientific institutions to expand the reach of their work.

Prosthetic Limbs for Trooper
In February 2018, the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Marine Savers team rescued a juvenile Olive Ridley turtle Trooper. Ghost net injuries included an amputated healed front flipper, with the other front flipper needing to be removed once he arrived. An incredible collaboration between marine conservationists, environmental enthusiasts and technology innovators resulted in 3D-printed flippers. Fitted with his new prosthetic flippers, Trooper could enjoy swimming again in the rehabilitation pool before he died in 2019. Sadly, not all turtles can fully recover from their injuries despite dedicated care. During his life, Trooper offered vital hope for the advancement and future of turtle prosthetics.

“It’s been an incredible fifteen years of turtle-based learning, growth and unforgettable moments,” comments Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. “Looking to the future, we’re keen to continue and grow our connections with international oceanariums and marine centres. This raises global awareness of the ghost net issues affecting turtles and helps us find homes for those that cannot be released. Our amazing Flying Turtle ambassadors spread a message of hope around the world.”

For people who feel inspired by turtle conservation and want to take action, the Resorts’ turtle team offers simple advice for changes that make a difference: avoiding single-use plastics and choosing sustainable seafood. Ghost nets are a significant threat to sea turtles. Although they do not originate from the Maldives, they drift in from other countries. Advocating for fish caught sustainably worldwide is an effective way to help protect sea turtles everywhere.

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