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If you go down to the beach today... you could be a turtle's hero!
With the recent nasty weather - and more expected as winter fully takes hold of Cape Town, turtles are starting to wash up on beaches right around the region.
This happens because loggerhead and leatherback turtles are thrown off course as they make their way south along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, using the warm Agulhas Current.
Sadly, as the current slows, the further south the turtles get, many hatchlings and some adult turtles are pushed into colder waters near the Benguela Current. When this happens, turtles - mainly the young - have to fight off icy sea conditions, with the rough nature of the region in autumn and winter causing dehydration and exhaustion.
This then leaves the turtles unable to continue their journey and ultimately washes ashore. This phenomenon is called 'Stranding Season' and takes place between February and July.
A hatchling's journey
How you can help
For many, the instinct would be to place the stranded turtles back in the ocean. However, this is the worst thing you could do for our ocean buddies.
The reason for this is that the turtles are far too weak to continue with their journey. Many are also covered in barnacles and algae, making their chances of survival slim. Poor little guys!
This is where the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) and Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation come to the rescue - with your help.
Should you spot a stranded turtle on a beach adventure, please do not put them back in the water; call the turtle rescue hotline immediately on 083 300 1663. You will then be instructed to meet at an agreed turtle network point. Transport the turtles in an open container with a dry towel, if available and keep them out of direct sunlight, as you safely help them get the assistance they need.
Also Read: Caracal conservation in Cape Town
What is the Turtle Conservation Centre?
Given that only roughly 0.2% (yes, 0.2%) of turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood, a very real need was established to help save these incredible creatures.
This has resulted in a network of over 2,000 people across South Africa joining the TCC cause, which consists of rehabilitation, long-term care, and then eventual release back into the wild. Incredibly, the work of the TCC results in 85% of stranded turtles going through the full programme and later being released.
For more on the work of the TCC, click here.
Key points to remember
- Do not put the turtle back in the water!
- Phone 083 300 1663 the minute you discover a stranded turtle
- Save the above infographic to your phone for future reference
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