Tree Frog, SYAH and Goodbyes (Irma's post!)

This last week has been more productive than others. I was given a number of tasks to carry out and though challenging I kept on going and I can see myself improving and progressing each day. We had a group of visitors last week called SYAH, which I am a member of. The morning started off quite good as I saw my first tree frog, he was adorable.

Seychelles tree frog

By 10 am the SYAH members had arrived and our day officially began. We started with a visit of the Centre itself whereby they looked and read the different posters and display. Then we straight away went for a beach cleanup along the intendance beach. The amount of rubbish we found was surprising as I didn’t expect to see much as it is a very nice looking beach occupied by tourists. We found all sorts ranging from flip-flops to wine bottles. This caused a lot of concerns towards the amount of rubbish and the places where rubbish was being thrown. When we were done we sorted out the rubbish separating pet bottles, cans and glass to give to the hotel to be recycled.

SYAH in the wetland at Banyan Tree

Picking up rubbish in 3 different bags for sorting.

We headed back to the Centre for a small break, which was followed by a lovely presentation from Rachel about corals and the effect of climate change. This was accompanied by many questions and views from the audience, which showed great interest and concerns about the matter. Then it was time for them to visit our most important part of the Centre; the terrapins. Like everyone else so far, they were pretty amazed by them. SYAH ended their visit with a tour around the garden guided by Mr Boniface Lim, the chief of engineering of the hotel. The staff was thanked for a wonderful experience.

Also this week we said goodbye to one of the terrapins: Rambo, a black mud turtle. It was decided that he was all better and it was time for him to be released. I was sad to see him go as I had grown attached to the terrapin. Now we they are but three, which we hope become as strong and stable as Rambo.

Irma missing Rambo already

So long Rambo!