Vomo Island Turtle Protection Programme Breeds Another Success In Fiji

Fiji’s Vomo Island Hawksbill Turtle Protection Programme has registered another successful release of a young-adult turtle into the wild. Born on Vomo Island in July 2009, the turtle was one of hundreds hatched on the island and were cared for and raised until old enough to be released into the ocean. 

General Manager Wayne Milgate says that the Hawksbill Turtle Protection Programme is flourishing on Vomo and it is pleasing to see guests and staff get behind these endangered species with their support and respect. "Hawksbill Turtles are iconic in the South Pacific and we do our utmost to teach guests about the respect and place these creatures have in the Fijian culture". With mature turtles returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs, Vomo has multiple hutches of eggs laid on the island each year, traditionally between November and January. Milgate says, "Obviously in years to come it is our goal to see the turtles we release into the ocean come back to Vomo to lay their eggs to continue and strengthen the cycle".

In May 2011 the tides and the moon were ideal for a release and guests witnessed the release of another turtle raised on Vomo. The Fijian staff responsible for the programme believe education is empowerment for these majestic creatures with all guests playing a significant role during the ceremony.

And Vomo Island Resort does family friendly like no other Fijian resort, a luxury 5-star island escape that welcomes families of all ages all year round. Exclusive to Vomo is the Turtle Club, a kids’ club that will entertain with Fijian games, fish feeding, singing, art and crab-hunting and then provide dinner and babysit into the night. Children (and adults!) learn about the Hawkesbill Turtle Awareness programme, which helps protect the Turtle’s traditional breeding grounds and shows children how these huge creatures can be saved from extinction. The Turtle Club is open over the school holidays: 24 June – 31 July 2011, 17 September – 25 October 2011 and 
09 December – 25 January 2012.

For more information contact Vomo Island Resort – Wayne Milgate, General Manager on P:+679 666 7955 or visit www.vomofiji.com. For media enquiries contact Karine Thomas at Navigate Oceania on karine@navigateoceania.com.

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