Loggerhead sea turtle, Habanero, has come a long way since he was first found covered in leeches and suffering from a severe infection. Thanks to the expert care, he is growing stronger, waving his flippers, and is now prepared to play a vital role in the survival of his species.
Cape Town, South Africa (11 August 2025) – Found in Witsand earlier this year, covered in leeches and battling septic arthritis in his flipper, a loggerhead turtle affectionately known as Habanero, is now on a new chapter of his rehabilitation journey at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s I&J Ocean Exhibit!
This comes after meticulous care, a life-changing surgery led by turtle vet, Dr Bernice and his adoption by the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, which will cover everything from his nutrition and antibiotics to enrichment and habitat quality.
Getting stronger by the day, Habanero is currently undergoing treatment that includes targeted antibiotics and pain management to allow full resolution of the infection, hopefully without the need for any further surgical intervention.
“While Habanero will most likely never have a normal range of motion in that flipper, an infection- and pain-free joint will be the best possible outcome we can achieve for him,” says Dr Bernice.
Over the course of the next few months, the veterinary team will closely monitor the healing process of the joint at the I&J Ocean Exhibit, where he gets to swim more freely and interact with other animals.
According to the Foundation, this move is particularly exciting as it’s the first time a mature male turtle has been introduced into the exhibit. It is also the first time two male turtles, Habanero and Kai, are sharing the space.
The turtle team has already observed some healthy displays of dominance as they establish their dynamics, which is a promising sign. These interactions indicate that both turtles retain key natural behaviours that will be essential for survival in the wild.
“Once released, he [Habanero] could bolster wild populations by enhancing genetic diversity and long-term species resilience. Every stroke he takes brings us one step closer to securing a thriving future for sea turtles,” the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation optimistically shared.
Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
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