Martin, Veterinary Student, Joined the ORP Team in Maldives From Hong Kong via Edinburg
“I’m a Veterinary student at the University of Edinburgh. I have been longing to travel to the picturesque Maldives and it’s also my dream to work with sea turtles. This opportunity to volunteer at Olive Ridley Project was the perfect choice for me to learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and rescue, as well as the ongoing problems with ghost gears and the damage they are inflicting upon marine life.
Apart from routine turtle feeding and veterinary treatments (blood sampling, medications, dressing changes, etc.), the highlight of my trip was the release of Shannon- the hawksbill turtle that underwent surgery to remove a swallowed fishhook. The feeling of content and satisfaction when seeing Shannon gracefully dive down and out of sight into the ocean was indescribable, it was a great feeling to see a wild animal recover from veterinary care and eagerly make it back into the wild again!
I have met a lot of amazing volunteers, staffs, friends (and turtles!) in my short 3 weeks at Coco Palm Dhuni kohlu. I have gained a lot by helping animals and spreading the much-needed awareness to save our planet in these weeks. The memories that I have made here will certainly strengthen my ambition to continue to save animals and conserve the environment in my future career!”
