What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Flora and I am from Troyes (North East of France)
What inspired you to come and volunteer with Atoll Volunteers?
I’ve already done a volunteer program in South Africa and it makes me wanted to keep traveling and be helpful in the same time.
So, I chose to volunteer with Atoll Volunteers, in the Maldives, to see the backside of the postcard plus, I don’t have any diploma in that domain and this is a good way to see how scientists and biologists work.
Who was your favorite turtle and why?
Actually, I don’t have one favorite turtle… I have 3 !
Tom, “Tomtom” as I called him. He is calm and friendly.
Donatello, the star of the center. She likes posing for photos, she always seems happy and curious.
Emerald, the hatchling. Tiny and cute. This is impressive to see how a turtle can be massive but also so tiny and fragile.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learnt?
Sad fact: Thousands of ghost nets are found in the beaches of the atolls. They cause so many problems but none of them are used in the Maldives! They come from surroundings countries.
Something I’ve learn through the experience of Phoenix : A turtle is very strong and such fighters in the way that they can be entangled in ghost net for weeks and weeks having a fishing hook embedded in the esophagus and still fight for life. Unfortunately, Phoenix is gone one week after we found her…
What was your favorite excursion/activity?
My favorite excursion/activity was snorkeling: I had the chance to see fishes and marine wildlife, that I can’t see at home, every day for 3 weeks.
Also I loved crabbing, that was pretty fun, feeding turtles and explore uninhabited islands.
If you had a time machine would you do anything differently?
Some days, I woke up early to walk on the beach and look for sharks and rays. If I had a time machine I would do that every day.
Anything else to add?
Thank you Atoll Marine Center team! I am happy to see that people really care for environment and do there best to change things and mentalities. Keep up the great work!! I love having some news through the Instagram/Facebook posts!
