Rehabilitated green turtle released at Cape Vidal
The turtle was found stranded on a beach in Umkomaas
An adult green turtle found stranded on a beach in Umkomaas in November has been rehabilitated and released.
The turtle was taken to uShaka Sea World in Durban after being rescued by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
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On arrival, the female turtle, named Namaste, appeared exhausted and, although she had no visible signs of injury, her carapace was covered in algae and she was unable to dive.
X-rays showed she had gas in her large intestine, which was thought to be the reason for her positive buoyancy.
She started eating soon after being admitted to Sea World, but took some time to maintain neutral buoyancy.
She has subsequently fully regained her strength, and the decision was made to release her.
Once Namaste received her release permit from iSimangaliso Wetland Park, she was flipper tagged and driven to
Cape Vidal where she wasted no time in heading out into the ocean.
‘Nama is an incredibly special animal and has managed to make every member of the turtle rehabilitation team fall in love with her.
‘We are elated that she made a full recovery and that we were able to release her,’ said uShaka Sea World senior quarantine aquarist Malini Pather.
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