Coco Collection wants a summer intern to help rescue sea turtles

Coco Collection has launched an internship as part of its continuing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project – a charity that works to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect sea turtles in the surrounding Baa Atoll. The lucky competition winner will be flown out to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu for two weeks in August, where they will work at The Marine Turtle Rescue Centre.

Located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is no stranger to incredible marine life in the stunning nearby reefs; however, as the first and only veterinarian-led turtle rescue centre in the Maldives, the Olive Ridley Project is seeing an increase in the number of turtles being brought to the centre for rehabilitation through various means.

The intern will have the chance to gain valuable veterinary experience from one of the UK’s leading specialist turtle veterinary surgeons, Dr Claire Petros. Their daily duties will include feeding the turtles, cleaning tanks, observing surgeries and medical procedures, and attending rescue missions to collect turtles in need.

“We are looking forward to receiving applications for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one lucky winner to come and join The Marine Turtle Rescue Centre,” said Siraj Waseem, general manager of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. “Coco Collection is dedicated to their continued efforts to care for the environment and recognise the need for sustainability, and we hope this internship will help to highlight the fantastic work the Olive Ridley Project is achieving on Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.”

They will also be able to interact with guests who visit the centre, giving them information on the turtles staying at the centre and attending any Olive Ridley Project presentation evenings. Duties will also include guest posts on the Olive Ridley Project’s social media platforms, to update on their personal progress and show a behind-the-scenes look of the Rescue Centre.

“This internship is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the important work carried out by the Olive Ridley Project,” said Martin Stelfox, founder and CEO of the Olive Ridley Project. “In four years, the partnership with Coco Collection has gone from strength to strength and the dedicated Rescue Centre on Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has rehabilitated over 40 turtles. Marine conservation is more prevalent than ever before, and we are delighted to be offering a lucky intern a hands-on experience working with such beautiful animals to help sustain their existence.”

For more information about the programme, visit cococollection.com/en/coco/competition.

The Olive Ridley Project together with Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also offers a unique three-month turtle internship exclusively for Maldivians, where local students are taught about turtle husbandry and turtle medicine. The intern works alongside the veterinarian at the rescue centre, assisting them with surgeries and the daily running of the centre.

This paid internship offers a one-on-one opportunity to work with an experienced vet in turtle conservation. For more information about the Maldivian-only internship, contact vet@oliveridleyproject.org.