All comes in threes! |13 April 2026
Charlotte had the chance to see juvenile Aldabra giant tortoises (Photo: Nature Seychelles)
A turtle team volunteer’s experience on Cousin Island
Who comes to volunteer on Cousin multiple times? Charlotte Schumann did! This was her third time volunteering for the intensive Hawksbill turtle season.
It is Nature Seychelles that asks for and receives local and international volunteers to collect data for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Why did Charlotte do this? Well, only she can answer that!
“I do not know where to start, really. Maybe I should begin with the idea that things often come in threes, as this is my third time volunteering on Cousin island,” Charlotte said.
“Another adventure in Seychelles just ended, and once again, it is painful to leave. I am not just saying goodbye to a wonderful place with stunning nature and beautiful wildlife, but also leaving wonderful people! The science officer Chris Tagg, wardens, volunteers, and reef rescuers along with their dog Scuba, make your experience unforgettable, creating memories you will cherish for a lifetime.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the chance to meet both new and familiar faces from my last two visits! For me, it is not just the place itself that makes Cousin a lovely island. It is also the people you work and laugh with,” she added.
“Many people asked if I was sure I wanted to return to Seychelles, as it will not be the same as my first visit. And, yes, it was not. My experiences in Seychelles during my second and third visits were different from my first, but just as beautiful in a unique way!”
“The only thing that did not change is the turtle work. From sunrise to sunset, sometimes even when it is already dark, in the hot sun, or when it is raining. The turtles decide when they come and how long they stay for nesting. Some are faster, others need more time, and after 60 days, you can hopefully witness the hatchlings going to the sea,” Charlotte said.
“This year, we measured 10 eggs per nest for research, in addition to the regular monitoring protocol. As always, you get a step-by-step training from Chris, and when you feel comfortable, you can start going on patrol yourself. You still have the chance to receive support from him, the wardens, or the volunteers to ensure that the conservation work is completed professionally.”
According to Charlotte it never gets boring on the island because there is always a new ‘first time’ you can check off your bucket list.
“At the very top was seeing a baby giant tortoise on the island. I finally met one during my three-week stay. In addition to that, I saw a lot more different sizes of juvenile Aldabra giant tortoises this time. I also had my first three-flipper turtle, they sometimes lose flippers to shark bites, that successfully nested and laid more than 150 eggs. On my second-to-last day, I finally had my turtle tagging refreshment, and on my last day, we excavated three nests and watched more than 300 hatchlings go to the ocean,” she said.
“This year, there have been a lot more volunteers than the last two times I have been on the island. The teamwork and everyone supporting each other, whether it is during our daily conservation work or in our free time, was once again an amazing experience. Conservation work can be extremely challenging, but knowing you can get help at any time makes life a lot easier and fun.”
Charlotte explained that it was hard leaving her home in Germany once again at Christmas, but if there is one place in the world where she would want to spend Christmas apart from home, it is Cousin.
“This island means so much to me, it truly feels like my second home and will always hold a special place in my heart. Everything I learned and did on this island helped me grow both physically and mentally and do what I enjoy the most – save turtles,” she said.
“Round three of being a turtle midwife is over now and what I can already say for sure is that this will not be my last time in Seychelles.”
Contributed by Nature Seychelles