Jackie Bin Gabriel with the Soft Shell Turtle on the Jetty, Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan River: It was a lovely Saturday afternoon when Ramli, a local fisherman who lives next door to Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) approached Jackie Bin Gabriel, one of the Chef’s here at the lodge, to talk about his most recent catch.
When Ramli goes fishing on the Kinabatangan River, he uses the Arwai method; the main idea is to catch catfish, but sometimes other things bite. A soft shell turtle was accidentally caught on one of the lines and Ramli did not have any intention to keep or sell the turtle. Ramli wanted Jackie to collect the turtle to care for it and then release it once it had gained its strength back. Jackie obliged and took the turtle from Ramli to rehabilitate it.
The soft shell turtle was 48kg, 70cm in width and 90cm in length. A most unexpected large catch for Ramli. We were very relieved that Ramli approached SRL to care for the turtle, as they are notoriously known for their flavoursome meat throughout Sabah.
SRL staff treated the turtle, removed the fishing line, and checked its condition for four days to ensure that it was strong enough to be released.
The turtle was fit for release on the 2nd of February, some very excited guests looked on as Chef Jackie and Simon Louvard, SRL’s green consultant, placed two wooden planks underneath the turtle to transport it to the jetty. Around 10am, the soft shell turtle returned to the Kinabatangan River.
“For most, I must congratulate your tour company for the wonderful deed in facilitating the release of the soft shell turtle back to where it belongs. I hope that your far sightedness with conservation at heart would inspire not only your fellow tour operators but also the people at large to emulate and appreciate what you have done,” said Mr. William Baya, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department.
With the support of Sabah Wildlife Department, SRL has rehabilitated a few wildlife species such as an owl named ‘Stingky’, a pangolin, a rhinoceros hornbill, two pied hornbills, three
Staff and guests look on as Simon and Jackie return the turtle to the river
By:
Ashleigh Giles - Training, Development and Culture Coordinator
Belinda Ann Too - Marketing Communication Executive
