Homeward bound for Scotty the green turtle
Scotty was taken into uShaka Sea World after a member of the public was reported trying to sell her to the Crocworld Conservation Centre.
A YOUNG female Green Turtle (Cheloniamydas) returned to her ocean home recently when uShake Sea World aquarist, Lindani Khwela, released her into the sea near Sodwana Bay (Isimangaliso Wetlend Park).
Scotty, who was named after the beach where she was found, was taken to uShaka Sea World in late October by an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife officer who was alerted by staff at Crocworld Conservation Centre after they were approached by an individual who tried to sell the turtle to them after he had found her stranded on Scottburgh beach. The man was unaware of the laws protecting turtles. Crocworld staff contacted Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife who immediately drove her through to Durban.
When she arrived at uShaka Sea World, she was severely dehydrated and in such a pitiful condition that she was unable to lift her head or move on her own. The animal care staff immediately administered fluids and antibiotics and left her to rest quietly after her harrowing journey.
A few weeks later, Scotty began to improve and was soon moving about on her own and investigating her temporary home. Her appetite returned and she began to snack on the seaweed she was offered. Although she remained buoyant and initially struggled to dive, her progress was so remarkable it was decided to transfer her to a larger pool where she could attempt and finally master the art of diving.
Over the next two months she made a full recovery and arrangements were made for her release. Lindani Khwela was appointed to release her.
“I felt honoured to be chosen to travel up with the team to release Scotty as it was not only my first trip up the north coast but a great privilege to be chosen to reintroduce Scotty into the ocean. Although releasing Scotty took no more than a moment, it was a moment I will never forget. Being part of the team who had nursed her back to health for five months, to watch her dive beneath the waves and confidently navigate her way through the rock pools was priceless,” he said.
Even though Green Turtles do not normally nest along the KZN coastline they are naturally found at inshore areas of tropical oceans throughout the world where they feed exclusively on sea grasses and algae. As a mature female, Scotty will in all likehood nest on the same Indian Ocean Island beach that she hatched on.
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