The first stranding turtle hatchling was found on the 12th of March 2024, marking the official start of the stranding season; these are the babies rescued so far.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 March 2024) – The turtle stranding season is getting underway as the season shifts from summer to autumn; there are now turtle hatchlings finding their way to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s rehabilitation centre.
“Every year, thousands of baby loggerhead turtles enter the warm Agulhas Current after hatching along the northern KwaZulu Natal coast. However, many cannot cope with the cold waters of the Western Cape, leading to their stranding on our beaches in weak conditions. Often, the little turtles have picked up “passengers” like barnacles and algae, making them tough to spot on the beach.” – Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
It is these weakened hatchlings that inevitably wash up on the Western Cape’s coast, and without human intervention, they have no chance of surviving. We have a responsibility to help these animals.
The hatchlings that wash up in the Western Cape are all taken to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Once they have been rehabilitated and are healthy enough, they are released back into the ocean. It takes a great deal to rehabilitate these tiny little turtles, and thanks to awesome funders, like the UCT Underwater Club, which is doing a 24-hour diving fundraiser, the foundation is able to rescue, rehabilitate and release these turtles back into the ocean.
Stranding season usually runs from March to July each year, so the Aquarium is encouraging beachgoers to keep an eye out. The first stranding was found on the 12th of March 2024 and more have been sent in since.
“Please be on the lookout for stranded turtle hatchlings like these, and remember to phone 083 300 1663 if you find a turtle!”
Take a look at the first rescues of the season below. You can support the work they do, by adopting a hatchling here.
by 