The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has released its first turtle tracking update of the year, and these turtle trekkers have been on the move! Here’s the update on shelled friends Bokkie, Bheni and Nobomvu:
Global (07 February 2025) — The most exciting part about releasing a previously rehabilitated sea turtle is keeping in touch with where their newfound freedom has taken them. Turtle trekkers Nobomvu, Bheni and Bokkie—who were all nursed by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation (TOAF) before their releases back into the sea—have given jet-setters a run for their money with their adventures. And, thanks to technology, we know where they’ve been!
TOAF have shared their first turtle tracking update of the year, spotlighting the recent adventures of these shelled friends. Not only is the information derived from the satellite tags fantastic for research, but it’s also a wonderful way to check in with the turtles who captured hearts at the Foundation and well beyond it.
Here’s Where the Turtle Trekkers Have Been
Nobomvu, Master of Going With the Flow
Miss Nobomvu has travelled over 20,800km over her 416 days at sea.
Released off Cape Point, this Red Lady has become a master of going with the flow. As TOAF shares:
“Nobomvu’s tracks actually show clear intention when overlaid with ocean productivity. She has been using surface currents to “go with the flow” while spending time in super-productive waters.”
Like anyone who determines their travel destination based on the cuisine, Nobomvu clearly has a penchant for a place with good snacks. This turtle has spent a lot of time in areas with nutrient-rich waters that increase phytoplankton activity, essentially making for a kind of oceanic buffet.
“We are proud of Nbomvu for remembering that nutrition is key!” TOAF praised.
Bokkie Goes on a Girl’s Trip
Beloved Bokkie, the three-flippered legend, has only been in the water for just over a hundred days following her release, which feels like just yesterday. Since then, Bokkie has traversed onward and upward and fairly neatly in comparison to Nobomvu.
Her recent adventures took her to the Bay of Maputo in Mozambique for a little summer vacation and one of the best destinations for a turtle’s version of a girl’s trip.
As TOAF share:
“In the Bay of Maputo, green turtles nest on the beach. Nesting occurs over the summer, so Bokkie may be saying hello to all the nesting females!”
Bheni’s Goodbye
Bheni, the famous green turtle, has been at sea for the longest out of the three turtle trekkers, boasting 420 days on the tracking clock. But, the chapter that was keeping up with Bheni has officially closed as his tag sent out its last transmission at the end of last December.
The Bheni fan club have enjoyed his journeys all over the show—from the South African coastline to the Seychelles and even Yemen!
When it comes to travelling, Bheni is one heck of an explorer. His last tracked movements saw him at Lake Ghoubet in Djibouti, which connects to the Red Sea.
Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
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