The Turtle and Shark Release Activity

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, established by Minor Hotels, the parent company of Anantara and Avani hotel groups, aims to help restore the turtle population in Thailand. The foundation's mission is to aid and raise awareness about marine conservation. Phuket is home to many endangered marine species, including green turtles, leatherback turtles, hawksbill turtles, and olive ridley turtles. The foundation has released over 7,000 turtles back into the sea.

From November to February, during the sea turtle nesting season, turtles return to their home beaches to lay eggs. However, due to a significant decline in turtle numbers over the past 20 years, residents of Mai Khao and Layan Beach have worked hard to protect the eggs. They collect the eggs and send them to the Andaman Coastal Marine Resources Research and Development Center, where the hatchlings are cared for and protected from natural and human threats. The baby turtles are raised for one year to increase their chances of survival before being released back into the wild.