We’re celebrating the unique journeys of Nori, Stella, Pebbles, and Cinnamon! These once critical turtles have each completed their intensive rehabilitation and returned to the pristine embrace of the De Hoop Marine Protected Area.
De Hoop MPA, South Africa (04 December 2025) – Nori, Stella, Pebbles (green turtles) and Cinnamon (a hawksbill turtle) returned to the pristine waters of the De Hoop Marine Protected Area last week.
Each of the turtles has had a fascinating and unique rehabilitation journey. All four arrived in critical condition and required intensive medical treatment, expert nutrition, and dedicated daily care to get them back on their flippers.
Nori
Nori, a green turtle, has been in rehabilitation at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation Turtle Conservation Centre since 2023. Though both of Nori’s eyes were healthy and fully functional, a neurological examination by the veterinary team revealed that Nori’s right eye did not respond normally.
After an intensive programme of environmental enrichment, in which Nori particularly benefited from cognitive enrichment, she was declared ready for release!
Thanks to Nori’s incredible adopters, the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, she was also fitted with a satellite tag so the turtle team can follow her movements as she explores her ocean home.
Stella
In October 2024, a green turtle later named Stella was discovered stranded in Plettenberg Bay. She was immobile, covered in algae, and had multiple injuries to her carapace, or top shell.
Fortunately, she was rescued and brought to the Foundation’s turtle hospital, where the dedicated team gave Stella a soothing freshwater bath to help her rehydrate and applied an innovative wound treatment made from honey, turmeric, and disinfectant to care for her injuries.
Once she had recovered enough to be moved into deeper, saltwater housing, the turtle team discovered Stella had an air pocket in her body cavity that was causing severe buoyancy issues.
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She was treated under the care of Dr Bernice, resulting in a cleared lung infection, improved appetite and being ready for release.
Pebbles
Another green turtle, Pebbles, was discovered stranded in rock crevices above the high-tide line in Nature’s Valley. She was initially presumed dead, but a second rescue attempt saved her life, thanks to the efforts of Chanel Visser and volunteers.
“At first, Pebbles’ appetite was nonexistent, and she was sustained by total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which delivered nutrients directly into her bloodstream. Pebbles also struggled with a lung infection and buoyancy issues, just like Stella,” the Foundation said.
After antibiotics, lung therapy, physio and a whole lot of care, her health improved dramatically.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a hawksbill turtle found floating in a tidal pool at Cape Point, was rescued by SANParks before being brought to the Turtle Centre.
She suffered from a deep, badly infected neck wound. Dr Bernice immediately began round-the-clock treatment. This intensive rehabilitation process included systemic antibiotics, pain relief, wound cleaning (debridement), physiotherapy, and careful husbandry.
After months of dedicated care, Cinnamon’s transformed back into a lively and energetic turtle.
A Happy Ending for All 4!
The De Hoop MPA’s abundant coastal ecosystems and warm waters provide the ideal habitat for subadult greens and hawksbills. Now, these four precious creatures are gliding into a second chance at life – a moment that beautifully reflects the heart of the work done by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
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