FROM RESCUE TO RELEASE : MY EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERING FOR OLIVE RIDLEY PROJECT

When we were contacted by our friends at the Olive Ridley Project asking whether any of our team could step in to support their Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, after planned volunteers were unable to travel, we didn’t hesitate.

Supporting NGO partners is an important part of what we do, and we were glad to be able to respond quickly and meaningfully. This opportunity became even more special when our own Turtle Champion, Shark (many of you will know him from our turtle conservation cruises and his deep passion for marine life), stepped forward immediately. He was joined by Naasha, our intern, and together they took on a role that would become both challenging and deeply rewarding.

This blog shares Naasha’s experience as a volunteer at the rescue centre, where she worked alongside an experienced veterinary team caring for injured and sick sea turtles. From hands-on rehabilitation work to learning rare insights into marine veterinary care, her time there offered a close-up view of the realities behind marine turtle rescue and recovery.

It is experiences like this that strengthen our commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism in the Maldives. Not only do they contribute directly to vital conservation work and the protection of threatened species, but they also allow us to bring back knowledge and stories that can inspire our guests and future responsible travellers.

Life Inside Marine Turtle Rescue Centres

Volunteering at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre (MTRC) and the Sea Turtle Health Institute (STHI) has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The opportunity to work closely with sea turtles and the veterinarians dedicated to their care provided me with invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience. Over the course of seven weeks, I developed a deeper appreciation for marine conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and veterinary medicine. This experience not only strengthened my passion for protecting marine life but also gave me a greater understanding of the challenges involved in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation and inspired me to continue in this path.

My first placement was at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre (MTRC) at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll, where I spent 11 days working alongside a team of volunteers and a vet dedicated to the
rehabilitation of sea turtles injured by ghost net entanglement and other threats. At MTRC, I learned about various rehabilitation techniques used to support injured turtles, including buoy feeding, which helps turtles regain their natural diving behaviour. I also gained a better understanding of all seven species of sea turtles and the key characteristics used to identify them. In
addition, I learned how to monitor water quality by measuring salinity using a salinity refractometer, an important part of maintaining a suitable environment for the patients.

My second placement was at the Sea Turtle Health Institute (STHI) at Jawakara Islands in Lhaviyani Atoll. There, I worked closely with a small team, who introduced me to the institute’s operations and the various tasks involved in patient care. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of tailoring treatments to the specific needs of each patient, as no two cases are exactly alike.

Hands-On Learning at the Sea Turtle Health Institute

I was also fortunate to be present for the official opening of STHI, which gave me the opportunity to meet additional members of the Olive Ridley Project team and learn more about the organisation’s conservation efforts. As my confidence grew, I became more involved in the daily operations of the centre and took on a more active role in assisting with patient care and husbandry tasks. Each day brought new learning opportunities and reinforced my enthusiasm for this field. One of the most memorable moments of my placement was assisting with the release of Haleema, a
young Olive Ridley turtle that had successfully completed her rehabilitation. Witnessing her return to the ocean was an incredibly rewarding experience and served as a reminder of the importance of conservation and rehabilitation work.

During my time at STHI, I also had the opportunity to assist with my first necropsy. This experience provided valuable insight into disease processes, anatomy, and the causes of mortality in sea turtles. In addition I learned a variety of practical skills, including proper shell cleaning techniques, how they collect blood samples, and the interpretation of basic blood work. For example, I learned how veterinarians can identify potential infections through changes in white blood cell counts.

Working closely with the turtles on a daily basis allowed me to understand their individual personalities and behaviours. I became familiar with each patient’s feeding preferences and habits.
In addition to learning about sea turtle anatomy and physiology, I gained a deeper understanding of the many health challenges they face in the wild. Perhaps the most important lesson I learned,
however, was the remarkable resilience of these animals. Despite the severe injuries, infections and amputations many of them had endured, their ability to recover and adapt was inspiring.

Reflections on Conservation and Connection

My experience at MTRC and STHI has been both educational and personally transformative. Throughout these seven weeks, I gained practical skills, scientific knowledge, and valuable insight
into marine wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. More importantly, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and compassion required to care for injured sea turtles and give them a second chance
at life. This experience has further strengthened my interest in marine conservation and veterinary medicine, while also understanding the critical role that rescue and rehabilitation centres play in
protecting vulnerable marine species. The knowledge and skills I acquired, along with the relationships I built and the experiences I shared, will remain with me throughout my academic and
professional journey.

I believe the most special thing I have gained from this experience is the amazing people I have met, who have left such a lasting impact on me. I am grateful for all the friendships I have formed
through this experience. I am deeply grateful to the teams at MTRC and STHI for welcoming me, sharing their expertise, and allowing me to contribute to their work. The lessons I learned and the memories I made with all the amazing people I met during this placement will continue to inspire me as I pursue future opportunities in conservation and animal care.