Bangkok--8 Aug--Arc Worldwide
Siam Ocean World together with the Sea Turtle Conservation Center of the Royal Thai Navy continues their sea turtle conservation effort by organizing a campaign to make room for sea turtles in the hearts of Thais. The Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai campaign is designed to create enthusiasm to help nurture baby sea turtles until they are ready to return to the sea. Sea turtles in their natural habitat could become extinct soon unless a successful conservation attempt is implemented.
Rear Admiral Chaiwat Sri-akkarin, Commander of Air and Coastal Defence Command of the Royal Thai Navy, reveals that the causes of the sea turtles near extinction include destruction of nesting habitat, reckless commercial fishing and illegal harvesting. Sea turtles encounter enemies throughout their life span. Moreover, it takes more than a decade for a baby turtle to reach breeding maturity. Sadly, out of 1,000 babies, only 1-2 turtles will survive in the natural habitat to live to the reproduction age.
Mr. Geoff Olson, General Manager of Siam Ocean World explained how the Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai campaign started. Siam Ocean World has been involved with the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and program, of which activities include public relations, nurturing the hatchlings and releasing them back to the sea on certain special occasions. Siam Ocean World also works hand in hand with the Sea Turtle Conservation Center to conserve marine resources and aquatic animals, including the sea turtles by taking advantage of its magnificent aquarium, facilities and expertise. Its veterinarian team provides monthly consultations to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and provides veterinary support for injured sea turtles when necessary.
“Siam Ocean World hopes that the Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai campaign will amplify the message to the Thais and create awareness and understanding of the importance of sea turtle conservation. We encourage the general public to be part of the captive breeding program for the turtles until they can return home again safe and sound.”
The “Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai” Campaign organizes many fun activities for all family members. Tor-Tao Kindergarten (Anubaan-Tor-Tao) program, in cooperation with the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, are raising the turtle hatchlings at Siam Ocean World, Siam Ocean World will use this opportunity to study the physical growth rates of the turtles to provide background data for captive turtle rearing, The aim of the study is to improve survivorship rates of hatchlings prior to their release. With experience and expertise in aquatic animal care, Siam Ocean World is the first of its Oceanis Group to raise and study turtle hatchling growth rates and they have commissioned a custom designed turtle hatchling pool to do so.
Turtle Guardians program allows supportive members of the public with good hearts to be a part of Siam Ocean World hatchling nurturing program through donations which will be channeled to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center of the Royal Thai Navy, Sattahip, Chonburi. Paddling-Tae-Nam program is the activity that involves the releasing the hatchlings back to the sea after the nurturing period is over. Turtle guardians can participate in the next event scheduled to be in September at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Sattahip, Chonburi
In addition, the “Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai” campaign also organized another special activity, Dek-Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai Gang (Turtle Lover Kiddos) featuring young Rojanakorn UeNah (Nong Flute) who will convey the story of the adorable little sea turtles to raise awareness of their plight and at the same time encourage people to fall in love with the little paddlers.
Mr. Olson has pointed out that “Rak-Tao-Talay-Thai” Campaign has entered its 2nd year of continuous effort. Siam Ocean World is proud to be part of this conservation effort, and emphasis is put on creating awareness of the sea turtle plight and urging the public to become involved in the conservation of these important resources, making room for sea turtles in their hearts.
Aside from the activities above, Siam Ocean World also takes the role of public relation center for the sea turtle conservation efforts. Students on field trips and the general public are welcome to learn about sea turtles through the ‘Turtle Talk’, a show presented by the aquarist at Rocky Shore Zone. Other in-depth education tours are also available.
About Siam Ocean World — Thailand’s first and Southeast Asia’s biggest aquatic education and entertainment center, is operated by Oceanis Group, the leader in aquarium business with more than 17 years experience. Also present Sanyo 4D X-ventures is Thailand’s first world-class 4D theatre. ‘Everyday Extraordinary’ at Siam Ocean World, B1-B2, Siam Paragon, 9.00-22.00. More information at Service Counter or call 0-2687-2000
For further information, please contact Arc Worldwide Thailand:
Siribuddhanadda Dhisanuvongse (Jao - Onn)
Tel 662 684 5704 / Mobile 66 81 851 9188 Email: [email protected]
Yada Srisammasheep (Noon)
Tel 662 684 5690 / Mobile 66 84 640 0058 Email: [email protected]