The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has taken in just over 530 turtle strandlings since the storm; thats over double their previous record of 250 turtles in one season.
Cape Town, South Africa (25 April 2024) – It is safe to say that the storm that ravaged the Western Cape just weeks ago has had a long-lasting effect. Since we reported about the beginning of turtle hatchling season when only 80 turtles had been rescued, that number has grown exponentially.
The Two Oceans Aquarium (TOA) Foundation’s Turtle Rescue Network collects the hatchlings and delivered them to the care team where they are assessed, treated, rehabilitated and then hopefully released back into the ocean once they are strong enough.
The weather in the Western Cape during the recent storm was rough, with winds blowing trees out the ground and removing roofs from homes, the oceans were just as turbulent, with rough seas and currents shifting. These shifting currents pushed many turtle hatchlings off course, stranding them along the beaches of the Western Cape.
Within just days of reporting that 80 turtles had been found, a further 240 were collected and now, that number sits well over 530. It is the highest amount of little patients the foundation’s rehabilitation centre has ever had to house. Majority of the turtles currently receiving care at Loggerhead Turtles.
“Each of these hatchlings is receiving treatment, care, lots of yummy food, and time to recover before being released into the ocean when they’re ready.”
The team need all they help they can get during this time. If you would like to support their efforts, you can so so here.
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