Laut Resort, celebrated a truly significant event last week with the release of Anja, a rescued Hawksbill turtle (scientific name: “Eretmochelys imbricata”), which is an endangered species. The special release ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, accompanied by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Dato’ Yeoh Soo Keng and other members of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia, who were present at Pangkor Laut Resort for their Brainstorming Retreat.
Anja’s rescue journey began when a guest from Germany, Ms Anja, discovered the turtle floating near the resort’s sea villas entangled in a ghost net in November 2023. Swift action was taken as Ms Anja alerted the resort’s resident naturalist, initiating a rescue operation. Despite initial challenges, the rescue team discovered that Anja suffered from “floating syndrome,” preventing her from diving.
Justin Juhun, Director of Conservation overseeing all conservation efforts in the YTL Hotels’ portfolio, collaborated with vets and specialists from WWF and MedicalPlus to develop a treatment plan. Through successful treatment and continuous observation, Anja has fully recovered.
In a heartfelt ceremony on the beach of Emerald Bay, Anja was returned to its natural habitat. The momentous occasion was attended by members of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia and their families, many of whom were witnessing such a meaningful event for the very first time.
Justin expressed his thoughts, saying, “It is an honour to, once again, nurture a compromised Hawksbill Turtle back to health, which is Pangkor Laut Resort’s small but impactful contribution back to the local environment. We hope that sharing this experience with our guests will broaden their appreciation and understanding of the need for conservation efforts for a sustainable future.”
Anja’s rehabilitation underscores the resort’s consistent efforts in playing a proactive role in preserving the beauty of its natural environment and protecting local wildlife. The resort, guided by a passionate and dedicated team, has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, ranging from conservation through education to rescue programmes.
For more information, visit www.pangkorlautresort.com or to make a reservation, please contact YTL Hotels’ travel consultant. Email: travelcentre@ytlhotels.
