Turtles released into natural habitat
Three turtles were returned to the ocean after spending time in the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility and turtle exhibit.
EACH year, National Marine Week is celebrated during the second week of October, and with the release of three turtles, it is sure to be another highlight for uShaka Sea World staff.
On Thursday, 13 October, one Hawksbill (‘Hawk’) and two Green turtles (‘Canelloni’ and ‘Franki’) were returned to the ocean after spending time in the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility and turtle exhibit under the care of aquarists and the Animal Health team.
“Hawk was sent to us by staff at Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay after it was brought in to them by Cape Nature Conservation officials and Canellloni and Franki originated from Cape waters where they were rescued by staff of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town and sent up to us,” said aquarium curator, Simon Chater.
He said Canelloni, the larger of the green turtles, was tagged with an external flipper tag provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and this will allow possible sightings of this turtle by divers to be recorded.
After receiving final health clearances from resident veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen, all three turtles were loaded into transportation crates and driven to Sodwana Bay for their return to the ocean.
“Sodwana Bay was chosen as a release site because it is located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and a World Heritage site. There are numerous inshore and offshore reefs in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park that are considered ideal release sites as they boast abundant foraging grounds with minimal human impact,and both Green and Hawksbill turtles are often encountered within the Park, and we are confident that they will thrive in their new surroundings,” said Simon.
