Lucien, the adult green turtle (Chelonia mydas) which was taken to uShaka Sea World after being found stranded on Lucien beach near Margate last month, is doing really well.
Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) said they had compared Lucien’s carapace length to growth models on Atlantic green turtles, and using this information, estimate her to be older than 60 years.
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On arrival she appeared to be in fairly good condition despite the old injury to her hind left flipper.
She weighs a hefty 127 kilograms.
It has been suggested, but not confirmed, that she could be the resident Umzimkulu River turtle.
Ms Kunz said it was only after she was placed in one of the rehabilitation pools that the cause of her challenge became evident.
“She was markedly buoyant which meant that she had been unable to dive, evade predators and forage. Radiographs and blood tests were taken and she was placed on two different types of antibiotics.”
Adult green turtles are almost entirely herbivorous and she is strictly a codium (type of seaweed) girl.
She has a healthy appetite and is eating more and more each day and growing stronger each week.
Ms Kunz said that as soon as she is strong enough, she will begin “physiotherapy” which will assist her in regulating her buoyancy issues.
“Although we are always cautious, we are feeling confident that within a few months she will be diving well below the surface to retrieve her evidently delicious, seaweed.”
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