First we loved Yoshi, then it was Bob and now, meet Kai; Kai is a juvenile Loggerhead turtle that will call the Two Oceans Aquaruim home until he is fully recovered.
Cape Town, South Africa (22 March 2023) – The Two Oceans Aquarium recently introduced the public to Kai, a rescued Loggerhead Turtle. Kai has been placed into the I&J Ocean Exhibit, which has previously been home to Yoshi and Bob, two beloved advocates for their species.
The exibit is used to raise awareness for ocean life. Kai will live within the exhibit while he builds his strength and reaches maturity.
Kai first arrived at the aquarium in 2020 as a strandling during hatchling season. He was boyant which isn’t good for a species that relies on diving to eat and get around. Kai was boyant on his right side which made him float on his side.
“With the help of diagnostic imaging like X-ray, CT and MRI scans, we discovered that Kai had unevenly sized lung-lobes. A procedure called “broncho-alveolar lavage” was performed to treat and wash out a severe infection in Kai’s left lung. With time, care and space to recover, Kai recovered from the lung infection, although Kai’s left lung still remains significantly smaller than his right lung, causing him to be unbalanced and stressed.”
Initially, the team at the aquarium applied a weight to his right side to help keep him level and did a treatment of pulmonary physiotherapy, using vibrations to encourage growth in his lung. The bigger space in the exhibit will also aid in his fitness. While he is still slightly right-sided, he is ready for the next step in his rehabilitation.
“Kai can now dive, feed and swim without any weights or assistance – so it is time for the final stages of his rehabilitation before release. Kai will be spending some time in the I&J Ocean Exhibit, using the space for exercise, and we are very excited to see his interactions with fellow rehab turtles Amigo and Zelena.” – Two Oceans Aquarium
Next time you get to the aquarium, be sure to go say hello to Kai.
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