On World Sea Turtle Day, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon celebrated the remarkable story of a resident Hawksbill turtle named Tripod, who was born with only three flippers and has become a symbol of resilience on the resort’s house reef. The resort premiered an animated video chronicling Tripod’s inspiring journey of survival, from a moonlit hatchling’s first journey to the sea to becoming a cherished inhabitant of the local marine ecosystem.
The premiere was the centerpiece of an evening dedicated to marine conservation. Held on the reef-fringed shores of the island, the event brought together guests for the first public screening of the short film. The narrative of the film highlights themes of survival, resilience, and belonging, reminding attendees of nature’s will to thrive against the odds.
The evening also featured an insightful presentation by the resort’s in-house marine biologist. The biologist educated guests on the challenges faced by sea turtles in the region, the critical importance of preserving reef ecosystems, and the evolution of Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon’s sustainability initiatives. The presentation covered a range of conservation efforts, including coral propagation programs and sea turtle identification and research, illustrating the powerful synergy between hospitality and marine science in creating lasting positive change.
In a creative move to support its conservation work, the resort unveiled a new line of limited-edition T-shirts featuring Tripod. Available for purchase at the island’s boutique, the proceeds from these souvenirs will directly fund the resort’s marine conservation projects, allowing guests to contribute to the cause.
To further engage guests, a new interactive display board has been installed near the Marine Biology Unit. This display serves as a tribute to Tripod’s story and details the ongoing efforts to protect the local marine life. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the turtle’s journey and to log their own sightings of Tripod, who is often seen gliding near the house reef. This initiative aims to deepen guest awareness and foster a stronger connection to the delicate underwater world.
Through these continued conservation efforts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon reaffirms its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and the incredible creatures, like Tripod, that inhabit them. The resort extends an invitation to all to become part of this vital conservation journey.