The partnership between Coco Collection and the Olive Ridley Project began back in 2015, when the two organisations embarked on a journey together to build the first veterinarian-led turtle rescue centre in the Maldives.

Earlier this month, they celebrated the third anniversary of the Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

To date, the rescue centre has treated 124 patients, of which 98 have been olive ridley turtles, 16 hawksbill turtles and nine green turtles. Even one loggerhead turtle has made their way to the island.

The talented Olive Ridley Project veterinarians have even tended to errant waterhen or two!

Over the past three years, 59 turtles have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild. The veterinarians have performed over 100 surgeries, with some turtles requiring multiple operations.

In 2019 alone, 49 turtles were admitted to the centre, of which 28 required surgeries to address serious injuries.

Today, the Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has eight turtle patients, with many other turtle patients undergoing long-term rehabilitation at other facilities.

“While we are extremely proud of everything we have achieved with the Olive Ridley Project over the past few years, we are even more determined than ever to work harder to decrease the number of injured turtles and to ensure that as many turtle patients are rehabilitated and released back to the wild,” an announcement by Coco Collection read.

Two islands — Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu — comprise the Coco Collection brand.

Coco Bodu Hithi, the flagship property in Coco Collection’s portfolio, is a chic retreat where you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the wonder of the natural world. Translating island life into contemporary sophistication, the resort, which is accessible by a 40-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, offers 100 villas that are surrounded by the calm view of the lagoon and the soothing sound of the waves, seven restaurants and bars that celebrate a variety of exquisite cuisines, and an award-winning wellness zone.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is dedicated to the inspiring beauty and natural wonder of the Maldives. Here, environmentally-conscious touches are woven into luxurious natural surroundings and initiatives contribute to the environmental and social sustainability of Maldives.