Durban — A green turtle that underwent rehabilitation for almost four years is back at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) Sea Turtle hospital at uShaka Sea World.
Saambr’s Ann Kunz said that it was the second rescue for the sea turtle named Calypso.
Kunz said that a struggling buoyant green turtle was observed in the Umzimkulu River on Wednesday and brought to shore by a very kind and concerned kayaker. Shelly Beach National Sea Rescue Institute jumped into action and transferred the turtle patient to the Saambr Sea Turtle hospital at uShaka Sea World.
“The turtle had flipper tags and it was quickly established that this was indeed her second rescue, in the same area, within four years.”
Kunz said that Calypso’s first rescue was also near Port Shepstone where she was found in a bag in the banana fields. She presented with a fishhook in her digestive tract. After extensive rehabilitation for almost four years, she was released near Cape Vidal in February 2022.
“She made her way back down to Port Shepstone but unfortunately suffered quite a serious injury to her carapace recently, most likely a boat strike. This has caused an infection, a fractured shell and also contributed to the buoyancy problems,” Kunz said.
She said the Saambr turtle rehabilitation team and veterinarians assessed her on arrival and are working on a treatment plan to ensure that she can be released, again, healthy and strong.
“Her body condition other than the carapace fracture is remarkably good, and at this stage, we are positive about a good, but slow, recovery,” added Kunz.
Daily News