IT was a good day for conservation when two rehabilitated Hawksbill turtles were released into the Mabibi section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site.
‘These animals are listed as critically endangered and every saved life makes a very real and valid difference,’ said Dr Anis Karodia, interim CEO of the iSimangaliso Authority.
The two turtles, named Moana and Hei-hei, were taken to uShaka Sea World in Durban after being rescued in Durban and East London respectively.
‘Moana, estimated to be about a year old, was too weak to swim and was picked up by a surfer and brought to uShaka Sea World’ said uShaka’s Riaan Boshoff.
‘She was dehydrated, underweight and lethargic.
‘Hawksbill turtles of Moana’s size are not often found so close to shore.’
Excessive algae on Moana’s carapace suggested she had been struggling for a while, and prognosis was poor.
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She was initially placed in a very shallow, heated fresh water bath, which helped with rehydration and the warmer temperature is what she would be used to in the ocean.
Fluids and antibiotics were administered, and she was tube fed.
After 10 days Moana started feeding on her own and grew steadily stronger.
She started diving and feeding on her own and, after gaining 110g and passing the pre-release examinations, she was deemed ready for release.
Hei-hei, too was dehydrated and not eager to eat when she was admitted to uShaka.
She responded well to treatment and, within days, was feeding on her own.
iSimangaliso provides a safe haven for released marine life, with Mabibi an ideal release location for small turtles.
iSimangaliso’s shores are the last significant breeding site of Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles in Africa, which are also on the endangered list.
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