Twenty-two new turtle hatchlings racing towards the sea became an attraction at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa recently marking the hatching season in this part of Muscat.
As many as 100 hotel guests gathered on the beach to witness the occasion as the resort’s designated Turtle Ranger Mohammad Al Hassani and his team guided 22 Hawksbill and Green Turtle hatchlings into the Gulf of Oman on the afternoon of April 15.
This is the second hatching of the season, and prior to this scheduled release, a nest of 70 sea turtles hatched overnight on Friday, April 14.
Speaking about the first hatching and release of the season, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa General Manager Mr Juergen Doerr, said: “It is always a great delight to witness the first turtle hatching of the season. The release of these tiny little creatures is a wonderful moment and are pleased to share this special moment with our guests to create a once in a lifetime experience and lasting holiday memories.”
He added, “Here at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, 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. Our Turtle Rangers work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all turtle nests and hatchlings.”
Turtle Ranger Mohammed 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 turtle team work to raise awareness by hosting daily Turtle Talks, share information during guided weekly Turtle Walks, provide a sanctuary for turtles, care for hatchlings and protect these endangered species.
There are only five natural nesting sites in Oman, and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is one of them. Every year, approximately 100 female turtles return to the resort’s beach to lay their eggs, with each nest containing up to 120 eggs.
In 2017 the total number of hatched turtles reached nearly 4,500. Currently the resort’s stretch of private beach is a home to 35 nests which are due to hatch between now and August.
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