Daisy Fermor
Who I am
I started my career in conservation at 18 years old, working with western lowland gorillas at a wildlife park in the UK. From there, my love of wildlife and the natural world grew into a burning desire to experience more, and to play a more active role in conservation. I returned to education several years later to complete a diploma in Zoo and Aquarium Animal Management, which provided me with a new understanding of my job. It drove me on even more to want to participate in the “bigger picture”.
After graduating college, I spent more time travelling, visited amazing places, and observed fantastic wildlife in their natural habitats. After having the privilege to see wild gorillas, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. In a pair of worn-out boots, binoculars round my neck, and surrounded by the calls of the natural world.
In 2021, I started my MSc in Conservation Project Management at the University of Kent. I knew I wanted to use this opportunity to gain experience in marine biology, specifically working with turtles. I have been unbelievably lucky to be given the opportunity to conduct my thesis with Save Our Seas Foundation, researching juvenile turtles on St Joseph Atoll.
Where I work
I have been working at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in the UK, for 7 years as a gorilla keeper, caring for 26 western lowland gorillas. Now, I’m lucky enough to be swapping my coat for sunglasses and have the opportunity to conduct my field work for my thesis at the D’Arros Research Centre. I will be spending my days on St Joseph Atoll, a pristine spot perfect for biodiversity to flourish. I have never been to the Seychelles before and can’t wait to experience paradise in person.
What I do
My research will be focusing on juvenile green and hawksbill sea turtles exiting their pelagic stage to enter the shallow water habitats of St Joseph Atoll. I will be conducting a population density of both species and an overview of habitat usage, to determine which habitats are of most importance to the turtles. This study will provide vital information as to how many juvenile turtles are using St Joseph Atoll as sub-adult feeding grounds, assisting conservation and habitat management decisions that can be applicable for other areas in the Seychelles.
It’s going to be a little different to my day-to-day life at home which involves a lot of fruit, veg, straw, and heavy lifting! I’m very excited to swap my broom for a drone and get started on counting turtles!