Guests at the Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji woke up to a wonderful surprise this morning as a 1.5m Hawksbill turtle was found swimming in the resorts lagoon.
The turtle which was found by the activities staff eventually made its way up towards the beach much to the delight of the resort guests and staff.
Resort Security Manager Leo Rokovada was quick to act and alerted the Department of Fisheries who were quick on the scene to ensure the safety of the turtle
With the turtle clearly under distress it was decided that the closer deep waters at the Shangri-la Fijian would be the best option.
The resort staff and fisheries officers gently lifted the 80 plus kilogram turtle onto a wheel barrow and wheeled the turtle to a waiting twin cab to be whisked away to the Shangri-la. The turtle was ferried to a drop off point called ‘Turtles wall’ just off the Shangri-la mariner and dropped into its waters. The wall is a renowned turtle haven for divers.
Jolame Sikolia of the Department of Fisheries in Lami was very thankful to the resort for having taken the right initiative to call the proper authorities. “It is very important that this is reported. Turtles are endangered species in Fiji and this Hawksbill find and what we are doing to take it back out to the deep water is a good example of how we at the Ministry of Fisheries want to work with the resorts and the communities to help save our turtles.” Jolame believed the turtle to be about 30 years old.
Resort Executive Assistant Manger Lindsey Palmer who was at the scene described the experience as spectacular. “I had my camera and took about 150 shots of this beautiful creature, that was just so majestic. I am really glad our guests also got to be a part of this amazing experience.”
Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji General Manager Peter Hopgood was equally thrilled with the turtles presence at the resort. “At the resort we believe in caring for our environment and preserving our oceans and we are excited to have been able to be a part of helping a turtle find its way home. Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji is dedicated to helping preserve everything that makes this country beautiful and we certainly will defend our oceans and its marine life!”
Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji was recently recognised as the Best Deluxe Accommodation in Fiji at the 2012 AON Excellence in Tourism awards, as well as the Best Fine Dining Restaurant.
The resort prides itself on delivering all the luxury of a five star property with the unforgettable warmth only found in a traditional Fijian village.
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