IT was a joyous occasion for staff from the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) as a young loggerhead turtle was recently released.
The female turtle has been in the care of uShaka Sea World staff since Thursday, 9 May 2019.
“Based on her size on arrival, we estimate that she was about four months old. Prior to admission to uShaka Sea World, she spent time in the care of Two Oceans Aquarium staff after being found stranded on a beach in the Cape,” said Saambr’s Ann Kunz.
She arrived at uShaka Sea World from Cape Town on the same plane as 40 young turtles, of similar age, that spent only a few days in Durban before they were taken to the warm Agulhas current and released.
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“Unfortunately, unlike most of her contemporaries, she was not given the all clear for release as her results showed she was suffering from a fungal infection and required further treatment,” said Kunz.
She was named Squirt and remained in the rehabilitation centre for another 14 months before she was given the all clear.
Turtles have a naturally slow metabolism and it takes them longer than most animals to recover from complications. Full medicals are done on all animals prior to their release.
This includes observations, health assessments and various diagnostics.
For Husbandry Aquarist, Kerry Lavender, who accompanied Squirt on her release, this was a very special day.
“Turtle rehabilitation is the most incredible aspect of my varied responsibilities. The highlight of which is when I get to go out to sea and release a turtle who, after overcoming so many obstacles, swims off strongly and confidently without a moment’s hesitation,” said Kerry.
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