THE rhythmic swish of paddle-like flippers echoes against the golden sands as Anja, a rescued hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) makes her triumphant return to the turquoise embrace of the Straits of Malacca.
The sun, radiant against the canvas of clear blue skies, bears witness to a momentous occasion at Pangkor Laut Resort, a tranquil oasis nestled three miles off southern Perak in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Anja, a majestic creature protected under the Endangered Species Act 2008 and labelled as critically endangered, had been ensnared in a ghost net near the resort's sea villas. The heart-rending discovery was made by a compassionate guest named Anja from Germany, who promptly alerted the resident naturalist. The turtle was then named after her for her kind gesture.
The hawksbill turtle is distinguished by its narrow, pointed beak. Its intricately patterned shells — overlapping scales that form a serrated-look on the edges — are coveted, and commonly sold as "tortoiseshell" in markets.
Anja' journey is not just a rescue story; it is a poignant reminder of the threats faced by these magnificent creatures due to destructive human activity.
The stirring release ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, was also attended by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Girl Guides Association Malaysia Chief Commissioner Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng, and other members of the association (along with their families) in a brainstorming retreat, which became a symbolic gesture of hope and renewal.
RESCUE OPERATION
Anja's journey began on Nov 6, 2023, when she was found entangled in the ghost net. The rescue mission that ensued faced its share of challenges. But through unwavering determination, the rescue team managed to diagnose Anja's ailment — floating syndrome.
Collaboration with experts from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and MedicalPlus, under the guidance of Justin Juhun, the director of conservation overseeing all conservation efforts under YTL Hotel's portfolio, led to a tailored treatment plan.
Treating Anja's floating syndrome, caused by gas accumulation in the turtle's intestine as a result of blockage, proved to be a formidable challenge. Thankfully, the meticulous treatment was able to produce a good outcome. Examination of the turtle's faeces revealed the presence of rubber bands and foreign objects in Anja's digestive tract.
Her recovery, a testament to the dedication of the conservation team, was celebrated on the sun-kissed shores of Emerald Bay.
JOYOUS RECOVERY
In a solemn yet hopeful tone, Juhun remarked: "It is an honour to, once again, nurture a compromised hawksbill sea turtle back to health. This is Pangkor Laut Resort's small but impactful contribution back to the local environment." His words echoed the resort's broader commitment to conservation, an ethos woven into the fabric of their existence.
Anja's triumphant return marks not only a joyous reunion with her natural habitat, but also served as a beacon of inspiration. Pangkor Laut Resort, guided by a passionate and dedicated team, has woven a tapestry of eco-friendly initiatives. From educational programmes to rescue missions, the resort stands as a testament to the profound impact that conscious stewardship can have on preserving the beauty of our natural world.
As Anja gracefully disappears into the azure waters, her journey becomes more than just a rescue; it becomes a shared experience, a poignant narrative that transcends the boundaries between humans and the enchanting marine life that graces the shores of Pangkor Laut.
Hopefully, just like the ripples left by Anja in her wake, this initiative — and others like — can inspire a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance we share with nature and the collective responsibility to safeguard it for generations to come.