There are two types of turtles native to French Polynesia, the Green Turtle and the Overlapped Turtle - both of which are in danger of extinction. In an effort to increase their population, and together with the Ministry and the Delegation of the Environment, the Le Meridien set up a one-of-a-kind nursery dedicated to the protection of these docile creatures. Every year, baby turtles and injured turtles are brought to this center for care and treatment and are released back into the ocean once they are grown and healthy. Most turtles in this turtle sanctuary are Green Turtles. They are named Green Turtles, not because they are green, but because their fat is green. There is only one Overlapped Turtle in the nursery at this time.