Hotel guests at Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa gathered on the beach as the resort’s Turtle Ranger Mohammad Al Hassani and his team guided hawksbill and green turtle hatchlings to the water on April 15- 17, 2017.
The rangers released a total of 89 turtles back to the sea — 55 on April 15, 19 on April 16 and 20 on April 17. Prior to the scheduled releases, a nest on Shangri-La Al Husn Beach hatched producing 80 sea turtles who naturally found their way to the sea over the weekend.
Speaking about the Turtle Care Programme, Juergen Doerr, General Manager of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, 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.”
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. Most recently, 92 nests produced 4, 181 hatchlings in 2016.
Mohammed Al Hasani is a turtle ranger dedicated by the hotel to oversee and care for these amazing sea creatures. 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. Mohammed 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 at 17.00 in the Eco Centre, which is located above Mokha Café in Al Bandar Hotel. Daily Turtle Talks commence at 17.00 and are free to attend.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
