Durban — Loggerhead turtle post-hatchlings that were stranded on beaches in the Western Cape earlier this year and one that was stranded on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast were rescued and have now been released into the ocean.
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the National Sea Rescue Institute and Durban Undersea Club boarded the SAIAB Phakisa vessel to release the recovered loggerhead turtle post-hatchlings.
Saambr’s Ann Kunz said releasing healthy sea turtles was not just inspiring, but it brought people together.
Kunz said the release also gave them a chance to take plankton samples.
She said the weather was beautiful with a crystal-clear ocean, perfect for returning the little turtles back to their home.
Kunz said some of the post-hatchling turtles were part of a group of turtles transferred from the Two Oceans Aquarium after being found stranded on beaches in the Western Cape earlier this year, as well as a post-hatchling that stranded on the KZN south coast.
“We generally only release these little turtles once they reach a body weight of 150g (they often arrive at only 30g) and they need to show good diving ability so we can be sure that they can find and chase food back into the ocean,” Kunz explained.
She said this was the third post-hatchling release this year.
Senior aquarist Jerry Ntombela, one of Saambr’s turtle rehabilitation specialists, loved watching the little turtles swim off into a beautiful crystal-clean ocean.
Kunz added that all sea turtles were listed as endangered and the rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts by all involved had been contributing to the ongoing conservation of these amazing oceanic travellers.
She said loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest along the northern KZN coastline and the stranding of turtle hatchlings can be caused by cold temperatures, strong onshore winds and adverse currents or injuries.
If you come across a stranded turtle in KZN please contact Saambr on their 24-hour number: 031 328 8222.
Daily News