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Paul the Octopus to save the turtles!

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Paul the Octapus Earth Sea and Sky has been the most innovative and pioneering non-govermental organisation to provide significant conservation interventions on the island of Zante over the last 20 years. Founder of the NGO Yiannis Vardakstanis has worked painstakingly to raise awareness around conservation of the endagered species on the island and of their natural habitat as well as promoting a model of sustainable tourism. Earth Sea and Sky has always relied on volunteering and donation input. Their growing number of supporters in now joined by a celebrity... the world famous Paul the Octopus who has become official ambassador of the 100,000 euro fundraising campaign. We caught up with Nicolette Skobier, Project Co-ordinator who gave us the full story:

"In the last 20 years Earth Sea & Sky has had many well wishers supporting us in our struggle to open a functional Turtle Rescue Centre here on the island of Zakynthos. Volunteers come back to us year after year to help with our conservation efforts around the nesting beaches, and tourists anxious to know how they can enjoy their holiday without disturbing these magnificent creatures flock to our information centre by Gerakas beach.

"We were also delighted to form a strong partnership with the Merlin owned Sea Life aquariums some 10 years ago. Now, Earth Sea and Sky is proud to announce Paul the Psychic Octopus has joined our crusade to save the Loggerhead turtles from extinction by becoming our official ambassador.

"Paul, of the Oberhausen Sea Life aquarium, achieved worldwide celebrity status when he correctly predicted every winner of the 2010 world cup football series. With help from Sea Life Centres across the UK, he is now heading a campaign to raise 100,000 euros by the New Year to get the turtle hospital fully operational before his turtle friends return to the sandy beaches of Zakynthos to breed in May next year.

"All those wanting to support Paul in his quest to save the Loggerheads from extinction can make a donation by visiting Earth Sea & Sky and clicking the PayPal DONATE Button, or by emailing office@earthseasky.org. Any donation, no matter how large or small, is gratefully received. "

Paul's crusade in the news:

http://www.newser.com/story/96427/seer-octopus-gets-agent.html

Earth Sea and Sky in pictures:

 

All photos kindly provided by Earth Sea & Sky