Kurangi Returns Home: JOALI BEING’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

JOALI BEING proudly collaborates with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP) to share Kurangi’s remarkable story. She is the first sea turtle to enter the island’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. After receiving nearly six months of dedicated care, Kurangi joyfully returned to the ocean on 2 November 2024, during a special event held at JOALI BEING.

Speaking about the release of Kurangi, Graeme Freeman, General Manager, says,

“Since the opening of JOALI BEING, we have been deeply committed to conserving and preserving the incredible marine habitats that surround us. The successful release of Kurangi marks a major milestone with the opening of our Raa Atoll Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre – a long-standing dream made possible through the dedication of our team and the invaluable support by the Olive Ridley Project. Together, we look forward to advancing our efforts to protect and rehabilitate our local sea turtle population.”

Kurangi received her name from the Dhivehi word for the ‘Lesser Noddy,’ a seabird native to the Maldives. Rescuers discovered her in August 2023, entangled in a ghost net in Shaviyani Atoll. Following her rescue, the Olive Ridley Project’s Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in Baa Atoll provided her with urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, she sustained severe injuries to both front flippers, which led to the amputation of her left flipper.

After stabilizing, Kurangi was moved to the Raa Atoll Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre at JOALI BEING for further recovery. Despite the challenges of buoyancy syndrome, she showed incredible determination throughout her healing journey. To aid her recovery, the resident Sea Turtle Biologist and the Marine Biology team created a personalized rehabilitation plan that included Targeted External Weight Therapy and dive training.

Moreover, commenting about this, Resident Turtle Biologist Abdulla Hameed said:

“Kurangi’s recovery has been remarkable, and I’m immensely proud to have been part of her journey here at JOALI BEING. We wish her all the best as she returns to the ocean, the home where she truly belongs. As we continue our commitment to sea turtle conservation, we look forward to achieving even greater progress in the coming months.”

During her rehabilitation, Kurangi endeared herself to many guests at JOALI BEING, who closely followed her progress and celebrated each milestone. On 2 November 2024, friends and staff gathered to honor her recovery, bidding her a heartfelt farewell as she returned to her ocean home.

Engaging in Sea Turtle Conservation at JOALI BEING

At JOALI BEING, guests have the unique opportunity to engage with the Raa Atoll Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where they can learn about turtle care and conservation efforts. Visitors can also symbolically adopt a turtle, which includes an official certificate and monthly updates on the turtle’s journey.

The Rehabilitation Centre emphasizes the importance of community involvement. JOALI BEING invites local residents, including government officials and students, to participate in educational visits. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and inspire collective action within the community.

The Raa Atoll Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre has a dual purpose: rehabilitating turtles while contributing to scientific research. The island is a vital nesting ground for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle. As a result, JOALI BEING collaborates closely with the Olive Ridley Project to protect turtle nests from disturbances during the nesting season. After the eggs hatch, researchers conduct controlled excavations with permission from local authorities. This process enables them to collect essential data on hatchling survival rates and the factors influencing their outcomes. Such information is essential for advancing our understanding of sea turtle reproductive biology.

Additionally, the resident Turtle Biologist regularly conducts surveys through diving and snorkeling. Using photo-identification techniques, researchers monitor the local sea turtle population in Raa Atoll. Each turtle has a unique facial pattern, similar to a human fingerprint, allowing individual identification. By uploading these images to a central database, scientists can track turtle movements, identify preferred habitats, and analyze population trends. Ultimately, this valuable research provides insight into the challenges faced by these extraordinary sea turtles in their natural environment.

Valentine’s Day is more than just a date—it’s a celebration of love in every form, and Kandima Maldives offers a place where romance pulses through every moment. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, this seriously stylish island invites you and your loved one to create memories that go beyond the ordinary. Here, love fills every adventure, every surprise, and every heartfelt moment, making this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable.

Thrilling Adventures and Relaxing Escapes

Race side by side with your partner on the Maldives’ first-ever oceanfront E-Go Karting Circuit. Feel the rush of excitement as you take on the track with a special Valentine’s Combo, which includes both the race and a photo session to capture the fun. For a bit of friendly competition, challenge each other in the Couple Karting Mini Grand Prix, and race for the best time, with the winner receiving a memorable 10-minute session.

After the race, unwind with a serene lakeside picnic. Where a curated basket of goodies and your choice of Prosecco whether sparkling or non-alcoholic, sets the stage for a perfect moment of connection. Then, indulge in a blissful spa experience, featuring tropical flower baths, coconut body polish, and sparkling wine to rejuvenate both body and soul. If you crave more adventure, set sail on a romantic dhoni cruise or enjoy the luxury of the K’ Yacht, sipping bubbly and savoring canapés while taking in the breathtaking views of the Maldives.

Intimate Moments and Romantic Retreats

Kandima offers intimate experiences that let love linger. Imagine sharing a private cinema by the beach, cuddling under a starlit sky, sipping bubbly, and enjoying Cupid-mix popcorn as the waves gently roll in. For a laid-back yet romantic evening, savor a Valentine’s Beach BBQ with oysters, curated menus, Prosecco, and a rose to complete the celebration. Moreover, you can also indulge in specialty coffee paired with a heart-shaped Red Velvet cake, sharing simple pleasures that make each moment special. For more adventure, explore the underwater world with a Couple Bubble Adventure or soar into the skies with a Romantic Fly Away parasailing experience, where panoramic views will make your hearts race. If you seek the ultimate private retreat, escape to Lovers’ Island, where a cozy setup with chilled bubbly and a fresh fruit basket lets you enjoy the beauty of the ocean in complete serenity.

Family-Friendly Valentine’s Fun

Kandima Maldives invites the whole family to share in the Valentine’s Day celebration. Little ones unleash their creativity by crafting Valentine’s Day cards with colorful supplies and plenty of imagination. Children can also design their own paper heart trees, adding vibrant colors and personal touches to mark the occasion. To wrap up the day, kids can create their own bracelets made with love, using a variety of beads and charms to make a memorable keepsake. These fun activities at Kandiland allow children to join in the Valentine’s spirit and create lasting memories of their own.

At Kandima Maldives, every moment feels like the first time. This island doesn’t just celebrate love; it breathes life into every experience. Whether you’re racing for the finish line, unwinding in luxury, or soaking in the beauty of the Maldives, this Valentine’s Day brings you closer and creates memories that last a lifetime.

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Kurangi Returns Home: JOALI BEING’s Inspiring Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Story

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