Green Turtle Hatchlings at Soneva Jani


Maldives
PUBLISHED May 02, 2019

Here in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to some incredible marine life. The shimmering azure waters house some of the oceans most amazing creatures: sea turtles. The Maldives is home to five species of sea turtles, the most common are the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Loggerheads, Leatherbacks and Olive Ridley turtles are spotted less often around the Maldives.



Gonzague is the owner of the jewelry galleria at Soneva Jani where he also showcases his designs. His work is inspired by the ocean and the marine life in the resorts lagoon. Turtles are Gonzagues greatest inspiration, symbolising independence, perseverance, and creativity.

Over the past seven months, Gonzague worked on a true to life bronze sea turtle sculpture. He went through numerous revisions on his labour of love until he was satisfied with the finished product. After months of hard work and travelling, he arrived at Soneva Jani on February 13, 2019 carrying the piece with him. The following day, Valentines Day, Soneva Jani received another gift.

Late that night, a Green Turtle made her way to an unnamed beach on Soneva Janis island. Throughout the night she dug over 25 different holes for over seven hours, trying to find the perfect spot to lay her eggs. At last, she was able to lay and safeguard her eggs on Soneva Janis shores. Her arrival is unusual as sea turtles lay their eggs from May to June. Sea turtles usually favour secluded areas where they wont be disturbed, but this Green Turtle chose a beach frequented by guests. Ellie, Soneva Janis Marine Biologist, watched over the turtle throughout her time on the island until the next morning.

She then created a barrier around the eggs to keep them safe until they are ready to hatch. Ellie and other Hosts at Soneva Jani are preparing with anticipation for when the turtles will hatch and make their journey across the sands to the sea. She has estimated that they should be hatching around Easter, a perfectly Maldivian twist to the holiday.

The turtles hatched on the 11th of April 2019, and 86 green turtle hatchlings made their way to ocean. The next day, Soneva Janis resident marine biologist Eleanor Butler checked the nest to check for any hatchlings that might have needed help reaching the ocean. Two more were found and released, bringing the total to 88.

Gonzagues jewellery shop will be celebrating the arrival of these hatchlings by donating 10% of the revenue from every turtle bracelet sold to the turtle sanctuary and rehabilitation centre being built at Soneva Jani with the Olive Ridley Project

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