e-Newsletter November 2011
It has been a great few months on the island! In animal-related news, two turtles that were found in ill health on Sir Bani Yas Island a few months ago have been released back into the sea after undergoing a successful rehabilitation programme, an ostrich has found happiness in its new, larger home, and an owl was rescued by our falconer in a very delicate operation. Also, we have just introduced the first Salt Guru in the country to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, who will be educating foodies on the many differing varieties of salt. We also recently celebrated the success of five Emirati students who graduated from the Desert Islands Education Centre with City & Guild Travel and Tourism Diplomas. The girls are now busy educating guests on the fascinating secrets of the island.
Read on to learn more about these exciting happenings as well as much more.
Rescued Turtles Released on Desert Islands
We recently released two rehabilitated hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) into the sea surrounding Sir Bani Yas Island. The turtles were nursed back to health after being found in Desert Islands in bad condition and unable to feed or swim properly. The hawksbill is considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red list, so any turtles released back into the wild will help the survival of the species.
The turtles were found with various injuries. One was covered in barnacles and too debilitated to swim and feed. It had also been wounded on its shell – a dangerous injury that could have led to bacteria penetrating its internal organs if left untreated. The creatures were looked after by TDIC’s Head of Veterinary Services until they were transported to the only rehabilitation facility in the region, which is located in Dubai. The unit is run by the Wildlife Protection Office with the veterinary assistance of the Dubai Falcon Hospital, who treat and nurse sick and injured turtles back to health so that they are able to return to their natural habitat.
Our aquatic friends were set free by members of the Conservation and Environment Team at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa beach. The location was chosen to give the turtles the opportunity to find shelter and food in the coral reef present in this area.
Photo taken by Aimee Cokayne
Every Great Dish Deserves the Perfect Salt
We are happy to announce a truly unique treat to food aficionados, by introducing the first Salt Guru in the country, set to wow the taste buds of even the most dedicated foodies in the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.
Damyfno (Dams) Dato-On, the ‘Salt Guru’ at Desert Islands, will guide guests through a trolley of available salts, explaining the concept and suggesting specific salts to accompany and complement certain foods and dishes. The guest’s choice will then be shared with the restaurant’s Chef, who will prepare the food to perfection, bringing out the flavours with the chosen salt.
Throughout history, salt has been such an important element of life that it has been the subject of many stories, fables and folktales. Some cultures even ascribe magical powers to it, and any chef worth their salt knows it is an essential ingredient to bring out the flavours of a dish.
The salts available at Desert Islands Resort & Spa include: Hawaiian Sea Salt, Durango Hickory Smoked Sea Salt, Fumee De Sel, Peruvian Pink Salt, Sel Gris Gray Sea Salt, Bolivian Sea Salt, and Flower of Bali Tropical Sea Salt.
Originally from the Philippines, Dams has been working at Desert Islands Resort & Spa for two years and is based at the resort’s specialty seafood restaurant Samak. In his role as ‘Salt Guru,’ Dams shares stories about the salts’ origins, as well as educating guests on how the different varieties on offer can help enhance the flavours of their food.
Ostrich on the Move
One of our female ostriches needed to be moved into a new enclosure recently, which caused quite a flurry of activity on the island! The large animal had to be handled very carefully, as ostriches have a powerful and dangerous kick.
She was initially caught by the Conservation Team; Conservation Manager, Marius Prinsloo, who has many years experience in game capture, instructed the team on how to catch and transport an ostrich safely. The animal is initially caught with a hook around its neck in much the same way as shepherds use a crook on their sheep. This is done gently to ensure we do not injure its neck. During the procedure, the ostrich’s eyes are covered, as this helps to keep it calm.
Two people then walk on either side of the bird, holding a wing each to guide it, and one person holds the neck to direct the animal forwards or backwards.
The ostrich has settled in and is very happy in its larger more spacious home.
There are currently 20 ostriches on Sir Bani Yas Island most of which are free ranging in the Arabian Wildlife Park. Several ostriches have bred successfully in the park and guests can often see ostrich chicks foraging with their parents.
Photo taken by Aimee Cokayne
Falconer to the Rescue
Richard Ellis, falconer on Sir Bani Yas Island, found a European Scops Owl (Otus scops) trapped inside a building. The owl had found its way into a small hole in the wall, but was unable to make its way out again. Richard has many years of experience handling birds of prey and managed to catch the little owl. He checked the bird over to make sure it had no injuries or illnesses; it was fine and therefore released back into the wild on the island.
The European Scops Owl is approximately 16-20 cm in height. Its diet consists of insects, such as crickets, beetles and moths, but it will also eat earthworms, spiders and occasionally small birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Most hunting is carried out by swooping down upon prey from a perch or catching moths in flight.
Its grey plumage means it is very well camouflaged, blending in with the tree bark. If approached by a predator, this species further disguises itself by stretching its body out and even swaying back and forth to imitate a branch. It frequents in areas of good tree cover, where it can roost and nest, and hunts in nearby open grounds.
The owl has been seen several times before on Sir Bani Yas Island, usually near large ghaf trees, which are perfect for them to roost in.
Photo taken by Aimee Cokayne
Five Emiratis Achieve Success at Desert Islands
Desert Islands is celebrating the graduation of five Emirati students who attained City & Guild Travel and Tourism Diplomas from the Desert Islands Education Centre. The girls were presented with their certificates during a ceremony that was held at the education centre in August.
Four of the fresh graduates are now employed as Adventure Tourism Guides on Sir Bani Yas Island, and one works as an administrator for the Desert Islands Education Centre, which demonstrates how the centre is playing a crucial part in nurturing local Emirati talent to fill tourism roles.
As part of their learning experience, the girls also completed a rigorous but exciting internship on Sir Bani Yas Island, during which the tourism team trained them in all the high-impact adventure activities that are on offer to guests, including kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking. They were also shown how to be Nature and Wildlife Drive guides.
“Coming to the island to work every day fills me with joy,” said Yasmeen Al Hammadi, one of the former students who now works as a tourism guide. “I get to talk to guests about my dear island and all the animals that live here, and see how they smile as they take in their surroundings and enjoy the experience.
“The course prepared me well for my new role, as I can now put everything I learnt into practice. I also feel it is extremely important for me, as an Emirati, to pass on my knowledge of our culture to guests who visit the island. My heart fills with pride every time I am asked about our traditions, and people are always so interested in learning more.”