Things are really starting to happen for Bob the Green Turtle; he flew to Durban this week to get ready for his release into the Indian Ocean.
Durban, South Africa (25 January 2023) – Bob arrived safely at the uShaka Marine World where he will spend a few days settling in, then it is on to the great wide ocean. He flew with the help of The Bateleurs, a group of volunteer pilots that help wildlife, in a blacked-out plane to make sure his flight was as smooth and calming as possible. Now he will be prepped for his release back into the wild.
Bob the Green Turtle had been at the Two Oceans Aquarium since November 2014. He was found severely injured at the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Now, eight years later, he is finally ready to head back to the ocean; the Two Oceans Aquarium has been feeling both excited and terrified but now that he has landed safely in Durban, the next phase can begin.
His story starts after his rescue, he was injured and underweight for his age, weighing only 16.6kgs. He had severe bruising and a possible fracture of the bottom shell known as the plastron. He also had a loss of scales and exposed bone. His name was inspired by the fact that he was too buoyant and “bobbed” around the tank.
Over the span of eight years, the team at the Two Oceans Aquarium have been preparing him for a release back into the wild. The Indian Ocean is the best place for his release as the warmer water is much more his temperature and it’s closer to the popular Green Turtle breeding grounds along the Mozambican and KwaZulu-Natal coastlines.
After a few days resting at the uShaka Marine World, the team there will take him out to sea on a boat, and watch him swim free.
“Yesterday morning, Bob was carefully removed from the I&J Ocean Exhibit and transported to the airport in his custom-made travel gear. His comfy stretcher, specially designed to block out external stimuli, allowed him to travel as safely and happily as possible.
Thanks to The Bateleurs, Bob had a smooth flight and we are thrilled to announce that he arrived safe and sound in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. uShaka Marine World will be Bob’s home for a few days, where our team will observe his behaviour before he is released into his ocean home!”
The Two Oceans Aquarium will keep everyone updated on his progress so follow them on Facebook for all the details. Good luck Bob! Swim freely and we will be sure to keep up our efforts of keeping the ocean pollution and plastic free!
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