‘Grand old lady’ green turtle in ICU in Durban after stranding in Mtunzini

A GREEN turtle of unknown age but weighing in at 163kg and measuring 111cm is in ICU at Durban’s uShaka Sea World after washing ashore on the beach at Mtunzini.

Easily the largest green turtle ever cared for by scientists at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), Storm, as she has been named, is receiving the best possible care, yet her prognosis remains guarded.

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The KZN Stranding Network and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife members worked together to transport the stranded ‘grand old lady’ to the Sea Turtle Hospital at uShaka Sea World on Sunday morning.

“On admission, she was found to be positively buoyant, noticeably bloated and carrying a high load of external parasites,” said SAAMBR in a statement on Friday.

“Fluids were administered to assist her with rehydration, and she was placed in an observation pool and left to rest overnight.

“Although her activity levels have increased slightly in the last two days, she tires easily and is currently being treated as an ICU patient.”

“Caring for such a large animal presents various challenges, and our veterinary and rehab team have done exceptionally well to get Storm through the last few days. Prognosis is guarded but we are doing everything we can to help her,” said SAAMBR lead aquarist Malini Pather.

Storm’s age is unknown as turtles cannot be aged via teeth, for example, as other animals can, but she is a grand old lady, having undoubtedly been navigating the oceans for decades.

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