A YOUNG Hawksbill turtle named Tripod, who had been resident at uShaka Sea World since November 2016, was released on the KZN north coast this week.
Tripod was released at Mission Rocks, which boasts an extensive network of inshore and offshore reefs. These reefs will provide her with plenty of nourishment while she adjusts to her new life and finds her “flippers”.
When she was admitted to Sea World, she was weak and lethargic and although she was missing one of her flippers, this was an old injury and unrelated to her compromised condition. With lots of TLC she recovered well and after six months was strong enough to be moved to the turtle lagoon exhibit in the aquarium.
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Tripod became one of the dominant personalities in the exhibit and the fact that she was missing one of her flippers in no way affected her ability to compete with the other turtles.
Leanna Botha, one of the senior aquarists, said: “Tripod had a unique personality and small though she was compared to the other turtles, she `owned’ the exhibit. I am delighted that she is being released.“ She wished Tripod many wonderful adventures, back in the ocean.
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