After surviving the perils of a ghost net and an accidental release, an injured olive ridley turtle is finally recovering after being washed back to shore a second time.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 January 2026) – One tiny turtle is finally recuperating under the watchful eye of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation turtle team after facing a series of misfortunes out at sea.
The turtle was first spotted on 26 December 2025 in the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, where she was found injured and entangled. According to the Foundation, she had actually been disentangled from a massive “ghost” fishing net earlier and returned to the water – a well-meaning gesture that could have had dire consequences for the already weakened animal.
Thankfully, fate was in her favour. After being washed back to shore a second time, she was found by Corné, a Marine Ranger at Morukuru De Hoop and member of the Foundation team, who was able to successfully rescue her and bring her into professional care.
“Turtle ambassador Mike Bayer swiftly transported the turtle to the safety of the Turtle Conservation Centre, where Aquarist Razaan conducted a health check, examined the turtle’s wounds, and gave it a freshwater bath to rehydrate,” the Foundation explained.
While examining the turtle, the team quickly noticed that it had seven lateral scutes (shell plates). This is a feature commonly seen in olive ridleys – the smallest species in South Africa.
“They do not nest here, but visit our waters to feed. Olive ridleys are rare in South Africa, making this rescue and the community effort involved even more meaningful.”
Sage, as she’s been affectionately named, has been placed on a medical treatment plan by turtle vet, Dr Bernice, and if her appetite is anything to go by, this little one is doing quite well despite the deep wounds from her entanglement.
She is well on the road to recovery, and the Foundation is super grateful to Corné, the Morukuru Family team, and Mike for going above and beyond to rescue this special olive ridley turtle!
Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
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