Our 7-year-old Kidsetter had been eagerly anticipating Conflict Island, Papua New Guinea. He was looking forward to visiting the islands turtle sanctuary where we were able to hand feed the baby turtles. Run by marine biologists, it was educational and fun, learning all the reasons why turtles are endangered today. One of the biggest reasons turtles need to be able to survive the ocean for 30 years before laying their first egg – 30 years !! The sanctuary is pivotal in keeping these baby turtles alive until they are ready to be released into the ocean. Time stood still as our Kidsetter was able to hand feed these adorable baby turtles and he was in his element. Not a single turtle was forgotten!
We were surprised to learn we were also going to take 2 of these turtles and release them into the ocean. They were 7 months old and had grown large enough to survive on their own.
We walked to the beach and our Kidsetter was given the privileged task of releasing a baby turtle into the ocean. What an honour. Once released into the water our Kidsetter walked along behind clapping and encouraging it to swim further into the ocean by itself. What a mind-blowing experience.
We then decided it was time to set up at the beach for a snorkel. Our Kidsetter had only attempted snorkelling the day before for the first time, so he was keen to practice again. After a far amount of patience from Daddy, he finally grasped the hang of it. Our Kidsetter discovered why his parents enjoy snorkelling and exploring the wonder and magic of the underworld.
He didn’t venture too far from shore or us and still he was able to find angel fish, bright star fish, wrasses, sea cucumbers, tile fish, colourful butterfly-fish and the biggest surprise of all……. 2 grey reef shark pups. Our Kidsetter can be quite dramatic over some of the smallest things so I was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t make a big deal of the shark pups and enjoyed the encounter. Later he exaggerated telling people he’d been up close and personal with great whites. Hmmm….as I said, a little dramatic. I enjoyed watching his fascination develop for this enchanting underworld.
