It’s that time of year again when tiny turtle hatchlings wash up on South African shores.
The tiny turtles hatch in the warmer waters off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, but end up in our colder water from March to July via the Agulhas current.
They are usually suffering from hypothermia and dehydration by the time they wash up and need urgent care.
Turtles face many threats and every pair of eyes on the beaches is important to their long-term survival. Please note adult turtles also require care if found stranded or entangled.
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust recently welcomed two experts from the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation Turtle Team to train volunteers regarding turtle rescue.
The trust’s key project, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, is the network point in the Gansbaai area, where the tiny stranded turtle hatchlings are taken before they are transported to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. If you find a turtle hatchling:. Don’t put the turtle back in the water as it may drown. . Put the turtle in your rescue tub or box with a dry towel.. Keep it out of sunlight and wind. . If you are in the Gansbaai area, you can contact the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary Rescue Line 072 598 7117 or 082 907 5607.. If possible, send a photo and a GPS position via WhatsApp. The Hermanus network point is the South African Shark Conservancy in the Old Harbour on 072 882 5756.
