Our Journey to Protect Sea Turtles
Our Founder's Story
Join us in our mission to preserve the majestic sea turtles of Ghana and ensure their survival for future generations.
Meet Dr. Corinne Brion, Founder
I grew up in Normandy, France spending time in trees and in rivers observing and enjoying the fauna and flora. My house was full of dogs and cats, and at one-point, there were many other large animals on the property. When I was two-years-old, my mom was looking for me, only to find me eating Jojo’s (the family’s German shepherd) food.
Many other times, I could be found curled up with a cat in a bale of hay. It was not uncommon to find newborn lambs in our kitchen, and I would always volunteer to give them their bottles. Basically, wherever there was an animal, I could be found. Since 12-years-old, I have been fascinated by sea turtles. Who wouldn’t be?
They’ve been around for over 130 million years and play a key role in providing a healthy environment on land and in the ocean. They represent wisdom, patience, persistence, and resilience. They’re elegant and graceful. Unfortunately, all seven species are threatened by extinction.
A Life-Changing Experience
In 2017, I was fortunate to go to Rwanda to see the silver back gorillas, an unforgettable experience. In Rwanda, the people who used to kill the gorillas to make a living became the tour guides. These former poachers now run the cultural village and welcome thousands of tourists each year. I reflected on the model and knew that an idea such as Turtle Up would come to existence one day.
My family lives in New Ningo Prampram, Ghana, home of the largest sea turtle hatchery in the country. Turtle Up is my passion project because it combines helping the sea turtles and their habitat, while also working with the locals and generating income for the community.