Bokkie, the Brave Green Turtle, was the star of a recent Carte Blanche episode, and not for being a secret seaweed dealer (that we know of). Instead, her story of hope has now reached more South Africans, putting the pressure of plastic pollution into perspective for more people.
South Africa (19 November 2024) — Bokkie, the brave green turtle, recently got her moment in the limelight after she starred on Sunday’s episode of Carte Blanche! No, Bokkie wasn’t under fire for being a seaweed dealer (that we know of). Instead, she was the main character in a real-life story of hope against the odds.
As many will know, Bokkie’s story is one of humans stepping up to right the wrongs of other humans. But, it’s also a story that puts into perspective a much darker side of the sea than most are familiar with—that of plastic pollution and its consequences.
With three flippers and a lion’s heart, Bokkie is a survivor who, most unfortunately, broke the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s record for the most amount of plastic one of their rescued turtles had consumed. Bokkie had taken in 47 pieces of plastic bags, colourful strings and even parts of rubbish bags; all of which she had to excrete over many months to come.
Oh my word. 👀
Bokkie is a real fighter! 💪 #CarteBlanche https://t.co/5mDrBb2IgB— Kait (@kait_203) November 17, 2024
The brave green turtle would remain in the TOA’s care from late 2023 after she was found covered in an armour of algae, stranded on Struisbaai beach.
The team backing her knew Bokkie’s journey to health was not going to be easy. But, just like the Springboks taking home the World Cup in the year she was discovered, they suited up for the challenge.
In October, we shared the news many fans of Bokkie had long been waiting for: she had been released at long last!
Free at last! After a year of rehabilitation, Bokkie the turtle is back where she belongs. #CarteBlanche @macmoleli pic.twitter.com/OoM90mUG4p
— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) November 17, 2024
Bokkie was released in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park—a Marine Protected Area that looked after and managed by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority along with Ezembelo KZN Wildlife who have been a part of active sea turtle protection and conservation for 60 years.
It was a triumphant moment for turtle lovers. But Bokkie’s happy ending is not the end of the story.
Her story on Carte Blanche has helped turtle conservation reach the hearts of many more South Africans; educating people on what pollution means both for individual animals and for our delicate marine life ecosystems as a whole.
Sources: Various (Linked Above)
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