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Turtle Hatchlings in South Africa.
In South Africa, two species of turtles, the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) Turtles lay eggs on the warm Kwa Zulu Natal beaches. The eggs hatch in January and early February each year.
When the eggs hatch in mid to late summer, the turtle hatchlings swim out to sea. Some get caught up in the Agulhas Current and get washed down to Cape waters. In the cooler Cape ocean temperatures the hatchlings can experience thermic shock which, while it doesn't kill them, reduces their mobility and they can be washed ashore in a weak and vulnerable state.
Turtle Rescue Network
In response to the annual strandings, a Turtle Rescue Network has evolved to collect, care and rehabilitate and then release stranded turtle hatchlings along the Souther Cape and Overberg coastline.
Rescued turtles are transported to either the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town or to Bay World in Port Elizabeth.
What to do if you find a stranded turtle hatchling.
- Don't return the turtle hatchling to the ocean. Instead place it in a dry, well ventilated container, preferably on a dry cloth.
- Locate your closest turtle network hub and inform them of your find and the location of the turtle.
- Keep the turtle hatchling out of direct sunlight and wind.
- Transport the turtle to the collection hub.
Ingested Plastic
Almost all of the rescued turtle hatchlings pass plastic pollution in their faeces in the first 48 hours in rehab. This, combined with the fact that are weak and suffering thermic shock is the reason that the turtle hatchlings should not be returned to the ocean when found.
Find your closest Turtle Rescue Hub
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