Turtle Power: 15 Years of Pioneering Conservation at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

Fifteen years ago, in March 2010, an injured female Olive Ridley turtle was spotted by the dive team at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives in urgent need of care. It was this turtle - named Oceane by the team - who 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 at the time. Several more turtles followed and in 2011, a generous guest donation of funds enabled a turtle pool to be built. 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.

To date, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives have 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; development of prosthetic flippers and satellite tagging; the arrival of on-site 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 Turtle Rehabilitation Program at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives include:

The Flying Turtles

The “Flying Turtles” Program was started in 2016 with the aim of rehoming 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 learning more about their plight worldwide. Now in its third year, Landaa’s Marine Biology internship is inspiring 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

February 2018 saw Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Marine Savers team rescue juvenile Olive Ridley turtle Trooper. Ghost net injuries included an amputated healed front flipper, with the other front flipper also 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 was able to enjoy swimming again in the rehabilitation pool before his death in 2019: sadly, despite dedicated care, not all turtles are able to make a full recovery from their injuries. 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. Not only does this enable us raise global awareness of the ghost net issues facing turtles, but it helps us find homes for turtles who 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 offer simple advice for changes that make a difference: to avoid single use plastics and choose sustainable seafood. Ghost nets are the biggest problem encountered by turtles - they’re not from the Maldives but drift in from other countries - so advocating for sustainably caught fish globally is a great place to start to make a difference to sea turtles everywhere.