Camera, set, action

Since the opening things have been getting quieter. We are still checking hawksbill nests and now have only 5 left to dig up, the last one is due to hatch on the 27^th April. 

Last week we found two unhatched eggs in one nest with perfectly formed embryos- unfortunately something stopped development and they didnt make it. 

The terrapins in the tanks are doing well, Little Project our hatchling, has grown several mm in the last few weeks and is steadily putting on weight. It is also starting to look like a yellow-bellied terrapin hatchling which is fantastic news as this is the rarer of the 2 species. Fatso is living up to her name and getting attached to the reptile food and we also found evidence that Stumpy and Haze are enjoying snails. All have also put on weight since the last weighing sessions; positive signs that they are doing well.

Weighing and measuring terrapins

Last Friday we were joined by a film crew from our main funders UNDP-GEF to record what we do at the centre and with the hotel. They were with us to record the monthly weighing and measuring of all the terrapins and also some beach patrol work. This documentary will be used by them to increase awareness about the work they do and what is possible, on both a regional and international level.

Recording a voice-over for the documentary

In March Vanessa, otherwise known as 'Turtle Lady', attended training for some new equipment, 2 drones. These will be used for beach monitoring, anti-poaching and whale shark spotting amongst other things. The new toys arrived recently so we got to watch them being setup for a first flight in Seychelles. 

The long range drone (plane)

Hexacopter  - both have cameras attached for recording sightings

As well as having hotel guests coming to see the centre and surrounding garden, over the next few weeks we will be joined by a number of schools and youth groups who wish to discover more about the centre and the wetlands. Word is spreading and we hope it continues so that children can come and learn about, and appreciate these amazingly diverse ecosystems.