Bangkok--8 Apr--Marriott Hotels
For over 20 years, the Mai Khao Villagers have patrolled the beach during the turtle nesting season from October to February protecting the nests near their patrol station and collecting eggs further along the beach to keep in their hatchery. These turtles grew rapidly and were released on the 13th of April in a special merit making ceremony for “Songkran” (Thai New Year). The group responsible for this project is called “Mai Khao Sea Turtle Conservation Fund” run by the Village Chief, Manote Saithong, of Mai Khao Moo 4.
This year the Mai Khao Sea Turtle Conservation Fund and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation will jointly release 30 green sea turtles nurtured by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. These turtle juveniles come from the Similan Islands and are aged between 8 months and 1 year. There will also be a special release of a 7 year old Hawksbill Turtle whose left front flipper was injured from being caught in fishing nets in September 2008. This turtle, named “Freedom”, was found on Mai Khao Beach and transported to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre for treatment and rehabilitation. The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation supports PMBC’s Marine Animal Stranding Rescue Project with annual donations and awareness projects. This is one of the many injured turtles rescued, treated and rehabilitated. Not all are lucky enough to be released.
Date
Monday 13 April 2009
Place
Mai Khao Turtle Museum (“Kong-tun-anurak-tao”) Moo 4, Mai Khao Beach (near the Tsunami Warning Tower) Phuket, Thailand
Turtle Reservations
Turtles are limited and can be reserved by sending an email to Khun Khemwalai at [email protected]
Donations
300 Baht paid on the day for the turtles goes towards the Mai Khao Sea Turtle Conservations Fund (of moo 4) to protect the beach during the turtle nesting season from October to February.
Program (subject to change)
08:00 - 12:00 Buddhist ceremony
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 14:00 Turtle Release
14:00 - 15:00 Water ceremony showing respect to the elders
15:00 - 17:00 Local traditional games and bicycle rally
Contact
Khun Khemwalai (Aim)
Coordinator
Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
Tel: 086 689 2230
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.maikhaoturtlefoundation.com