Sabah, Malaysia – 7 April, 2014: The evening of April 4th proved to be an eventful one for Gaya Island Resort and its Marine team after the resort's Turtle Hotline received a report that there was a Green Sea Turtle in distress in the Papar Area of the West Coast Division of Sabah, and had apparently been confiscated from a fisherman by the wildlife department. Acting on the news, the Wildlife Rescue Unit's Dr. Nathan Sen coordinated the turtle's transfer to Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre's Turtle Rescue unit where it is currently being treated.

The 22.5-inch long, 7.7kg juvenile Chelonia mydas, or Green Sea Turtle, named after the green color of the fat under its shell, was sadly malnourished and covered in barnacles, suggesting it may have been kept encaged. Gaya Island Resort's Marine Biologist Scott Mayback said “We are now collaborating with the Sabah Wildlife Department as well as Marine Research Foundation's Dr. Nick Pilcher to guarantee the best monitoring and treatment for this turtle's dire condition.”

The Marine Centre will keep the turtle under observation and treatment for a month, and if healthy enough, it will eventually be released back into the wild from the resort's private Tavajun Bay. With a lifespan of approximately 80 years or more in the wild, this turtle, estimated to be anywhere from seven to 12 years old, could live a long life once nursed back to health. As unfortunate as it was that this magnificent creature had been suffering, the team members of Gaya Island Resort are now able to safeguard it and hopefully release it back into its natural habitat in the near future.

This is the fourth turtle to be admitted into the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre, proving that its focus to rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles is visibly in motion. Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre is the first turtle rehabilitation centre in the country, complete with turtle rescue hotline. It has a strong commitment in leading the community as well as its resort guests in marine protection, also increasing awareness about the importance of turtle conservation. The public is able to call the Turtle Rescue Hotline at +60 13 899 9509+60 13 899 9509 should they need information or spot a turtle in need of rescuing in Sabah.

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Gaya Island Resort

Situated on Pulau Gaya within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Borneo, Gaya Island Resort is a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest. The 121 villas respect Sabahan elements and blend harmoniously with the natural environment while interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance. Integrated within the mangroves is Spa Village Gaya Island offering programmes that reflect the region's healing practices from the specialised rice scrubs and masques of the Kadazandusun to the age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads. Discoveries, authentic experiences and closeness with the natural world all prevail across the YTL Luxury Resort's land and seascape, offering travellers and families an escape that is distinctively Borneo.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK.

In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group's Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information.

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For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com/mediagallery. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia, call +60 3 2783 1000+60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my.  

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Ms Aja Ng                                                        
Director of Public Relations                               
Email: aja@ytlhotels.com.my                           
Tel: +6018 799 9007+6018 799 9007            

Ms Felicia Lee  
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Email: felicia_lee@ytlhotels.com.my        
Tel: +6018 799 9007+6018 799 9007