After a long journey of rehabilitation, four amazing creatures -each with a touching story- were finally ready to dive back into the wild waters of De Hoop Marine Protected Area. It was a historic moment for the centre, as it was the first time they released three different species of turtles at once!
De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa (12 December 2024) – It was quite the sight to behold as for the first time in years, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre released four different turtle species into the brilliantly blue waters of De Hoop Marine Protected Area last week!
Solé, Plum, Harley, and iKhwezi return to the ocean
From battling injuries to gaining strength, each turtle had its own unique story. But with the help of dedicated volunteers and experts, they all made a full recovery.
After tireless work in rehabilitating the sub-adult turtles, Solé and Plum (green turtles), iKhwezi (loggerhead turtle), and Harley (hawksbill turtle) are now enjoying the thrill of the ocean – a moment that represents an incredible first for the Turtle Conservation Centre.
“This was a particularly exciting release for the team as it was the first time in recent years that the Turtle Conservation Centre has had the privilege of releasing three different turtle species at the same time. This is a testament to the value of the De Hoop MPA for turtle conservation in the country and the continent,” said Talitha Noble-Trull, Conservation Manager of the Turtle Conservation Centre.
To mark this unique turtle release, Noble-Trull and her team shared the experience with their dedicated volunteers, interns, and supporters who all play a valuable role in the work of the Turtle Conservation Centre.
A community with a heart for turtles
According to the foundation, most of the ill and injured turtles who find their way to the centre are a result of human activities such as boat strikes, plastic pollution and incorrectly discarded fishing gear, causing entanglement.
Thanks to the local Turtle Rescue Network and its extended community, many of these turtles are fortunate enough to receive much-needed care and rehabilitation. The story of Solé exemplifies the value of working together for conservation.
During routine checks of Koeberg Power station on 19 December 2023, staff noticed a small turtle in the facilities’ workings and immediately notified the Turtle Conservation Centre. After ensuring the safety of the rescue team and following Koeberg protocol, Solé was successfully rescued and received at the Turtle Conservation Centre.
“Solé’s road to recovery was slow at first – they took a full month to exhibit healthy digestive movements. However, with a tailored rehabilitation programme in place and around-the-clock monitoring, Solé rapidly returned to health. We are grateful to the staff of Koeberg for thinking quickly to get help to this green turtle in distress. Once recovered, it was a thrill to be able to return our ‘turtle of the sun’ back to their wild ocean home,” said Alexandra Panagiotou, Turtle Enrichment Specialist.
De Hoop to call home!
Now in tip-top shape and equipped with special tags that emit frequencies captured by receivers along the South African coastline, these turtles are set to embark on new adventures.
Scientists will track their movements within the De Hoop Marine Protected Area’s rich coastal ecosystems and warmer waters, which are ideal habitats for subadult turtles, especially green and hawksbill turtles like Solé, Plum, and Harley.
This network of coastal receivers presents an exciting opportunity to learn more about the movements and lifestyles of subadult green and hawksbill turtles, offering hope for future turtle releases.
Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
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