[category]
[title]
Andy and DJ - both rescued and rehabilitated by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) – are two of the province’s celebrity turtles.
Now, their post-rehabilitation adventures are giving marine scientists (and ocean lovers) plenty to smile about.
Ann Kunz of the SAAMBR has shared that both turtles are thriving after their releases and are offering rare insight into turtle behaviour along our coast.
Meet Andy the Green Turtle: A proud South Coast local
Andy, the green sea turtle, has clearly decided that the KZN South Coast is home.
Since his release in October, Andy has stuck to a relatively small stretch of coastline between Southbroom and Port Shepstone, spending much of his time around Beacon Rocks.
Two other rescued green sea turtles were released in the same vicinity, which could indicate Andy is sharing this wonderful foraging zone with familiar company.
But don’t be fooled by his limited range… Andy has been busy!
Tracking using a satellite tag sponsored by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation shows he’s clocked around 700 to 1,000 kilometres of movement, zigzagging between rocky reefs packed with algae, his favourite snack.
Green turtles are herbivores, and this part of the KZN South Coast offers prime grazing, thanks to shallow reefs and nearby protected areas like Aliwal Shoal MPA.
Adult male green turtles are rarely encountered, making Andy’s rescue from the Mzimkhulu River and subsequent release particularly valuable for research.
While green turtles don’t nest in South Africa (their closest nesting sites are remote islands like Europa and Tromelin), Andy seems more than content enjoying his underwater ‘backyard’.
This is proof that sometimes, the best holiday destination really is home.
Meet DJ the Loggerhead: The Wanderer
DJ, a young 14-year-old loggerhead turtle, has taken a very different approach.
Since her release on 15 December, Ann says she’s travelled more than 560 kilometres, cruising up the KZN coast, past Inhaca Island, through Mozambique's Maputo Bay, and is now heading south again.
That’s almost a marathon a day.... and it’s no accident.
Ann explains that DJ isn’t just drifting with currents; she’s actively exploring, showing strong, purposeful movement exactly as a healthy young loggerhead should.
Too young to nest, DJ is firmly in her ‘wanderlust’ era, learning currents, finding food-rich zones, and navigating one of the most biodiverse marine regions in southern Africa.
Why this all matters
Andy and DJ are living proof of why healthy coastlines and marine conservation efforts matter.
Their journeys help scientists protect critical habitats – and remind us just how special our ocean backyard really is.
Keep updated on their progress by following @sa_marine_biological_research on social media!
TIME OUT RECOMMENDS:
😋 The best restaurants in Durban
🏨 The best hotels in Durban
🛏️ Where to stay in Durban