by Anishametra Saravanan 

The sun cast its warm glow under the serene expanse of clear blue skies as the Girl Guides Association Malaysia bore witness to the momentous return of Anja, a rescued hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), to the turquoise waters of the Straits of Malacca at Pangkor Laut Resort. 

Anja, a beautiful 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 heartbreaking discovery was made by a compassionate guest named Anja from Germany, who promptly alerted the resident naturalist. In recognition of her kindness, the turtle was subsequently named after her.  

The release ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, also saw the attendance of Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Bandar Tun Razak MP and our Executive Director, Dato’ Yeoh Soo Keng, who was there in her capacity as the Girl Guides Association Malaysia’s Chief Commissioner, and other association members and their families participating in a brainstorming retreat. The ceremony served as a symbolic expression of hope and renewal as hawksbill turtles, recognised for their intricately patterned shells, often face the unfortunate fate of being sold as “tortoiseshell” in markets. 

Anja’s journey is more than a rescue story; it is a poignant reminder of the threats faced by these majestic creatures due to destructive human activity. 

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (first from left) walking with Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (third from left) and Dato’ Yeoh Soo Keng 

Anja’s rescue operation commenced on 6th November 2023, when she was discovered entangled in a ghost net. Despite the ensuing challenges, the rescue team persevered with unwavering determination, successfully diagnosing Anja’s ailment — floating syndrome.

Collaboration with experts from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and MedicalPlus, guided by Justin Juhun, the Director of Conservation overseeing all conservation efforts under YTL Hotel’s portfolio, resulted in a tailored treatment plan.

Addressing Anja’s floating syndrome, caused by gas buildup due to blockage in her intestine, posed a significant challenge. Fortunately, the careful treatment yielded positive results. Upon further examination, the results revealed the presence of rubber bands and foreign objects in Anja’s digestive tract. Her recovery stands as proof of the conservation team’s dedication.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (second from right), Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (centre) and Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng (second from left). With them is YTL Hotel conservation director Justin Juhun (right).

In a solemn yet hopeful tone, Juhun expressed, “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 resonated with the resort’s overarching dedication to conservation, a principle intricately woven into their very essence.

Anja’s homecoming signifies not just a joyous reunion with her natural habitat but also served as a beacon of inspiration. Guided by a team of passionate and dedicated individuals, Pangkor Laut Resort has brilliantly organised multiple eco-friendly initiatives. From educational programmes to rescue missions, the resort stands as a testament to the profound impact that conscious stewardship can have in safeguarding the beauty of our natural world.

Hopefully, just like the ripples left by Anja in her wake, this initiative — and others alike — will continue to inspire a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance we share with nature and the collective preservation efforts we must uphold for generations to come.

Anja making her return to the sea

Source:

New Straits Times