In a remarkable milestone for marine conservation in the Maldives, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is proudly marking 15 years of dedicated sea turtle rehabilitation, having successfully rescued and rehabilitated more than 500 turtles since the program’s inception in 2010. This achievement, one of the most extensive and enduring of its kind in the Indian Ocean, reflects the unwavering commitment of the Resorts to oceanic wildlife preservation and sustainable tourism.
The program began in March 2010 with the rescue of an injured female Olive Ridley turtle, later named Oceane, by the dive team at Four Seasons. Using modest resources available at the time, Oceane was rehabilitated and released—an effort that laid the foundation for what would become the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP). With a generous donation from a resort guest in 2011, a dedicated turtle pool was constructed, and the partnership with local environmental organisation Reefscapers formalised the initiative. The first of two turtle rehabilitation centres was subsequently opened at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.
Since then, more than 280 of the rescued turtles have been released back into the wild after long-term recovery. The program has evolved dramatically over the past decade and a half, with advancements such as the creation of an ocean enclosure, on-site turtle veterinarians, and cutting-edge medical facilities. These include an endoscope, underwater ultrasound scanner, laser therapy equipment, and the capability to perform complex surgeries under general anaesthesia. Pioneering work has also been undertaken to develop prosthetic flippers and satellite tracking systems.
Among the most inspiring initiatives is the Flying Turtles program, launched in 2016 to provide lifelong care for turtles unable to return to the ocean due to severe injuries or permanent buoyancy issues. Six turtles have found new homes in international oceanariums, where they now serve as global ambassadors for marine conservation. One such turtle, Peggy, an amputee was sent to Belgium where she relearned to dive before returning to the Maldives and journeying an astonishing 5,700 kilometres to the Indian coastline, her native waters.
The program’s educational outreach is just as impressive. The Junior Marine Savers program at Kuda Huraa allows young guests to interact with and care for turtles, instilling in them a deep appreciation for marine life. At Landaa Giraavaru, the Marine Biology Internship program and the Trainee Marine Biologist initiative, which includes modules on turtles, dolphins, corals, mantas, plankton, and aquatics, have sparked the interest of local youth, many of whom are now pursuing degrees in marine biology. These programs extend beyond the resorts, reaching out to local schools, NGOs, and scientific bodies, broadening the impact of the conservation message.
One of the program’s most memorable cases was that of Trooper, a juvenile Olive Ridley turtle rescued in 2018 with severe injuries from ghost nets. After undergoing flipper amputation, Trooper was fitted with 3D-printed prosthetic limbs—an inspiring testament to human ingenuity and compassion. Though Trooper sadly passed away in 2019, his story has contributed invaluable knowledge to the field of turtle prosthetics and highlighted the importance of continued innovation in wildlife rehabilitation.
“It’s been an incredible fifteen years of turtle-based learning, growth and unforgettable moments,” said Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. “Looking to the future, we’re keen to expand our connections with international oceanariums and marine centres. These partnerships not only raise awareness of the dangers of ghost nets but also provide long-term care for unreleasable turtles. Our Flying Turtle ambassadors are spreading a message of resilience and hope across the globe.”
Guests and visitors inspired by the program are encouraged to take simple yet impactful steps: avoid single-use plastics and choose seafood from sustainable sources. One of the greatest threats to sea turtles, ghost nets, do not originate in Maldivian waters but drift in from other countries, making global consumer responsibility an essential part of the solution.
Through compassion, science, and a strong sense of stewardship, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has turned a single turtle rescue into a beacon of hope for marine conservation across the world, a shining example of how tourism can contribute meaningfully to the preservation of nature.
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