On 22 December 2023, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre celebrated the release of Nobomvu, a loggerhead turtle, who returned to her home via the warm Agulhas Current off Cape Point coast.
Nobomvu, affectionately known as the Red Lady due to her unique red colouration, was rescued on 14 July 2021.
Also read: WATCH: Beautiful loggerhead turtle on the road to recovery in Cape Town
According to Heather Wares of the Two Oceans Aquarium, fishermen Kriston and Gordon found her entangled in a ghost fishing net at Quinn Point in Gaansbaai.
Weighing nearly 55kg, the same as the net, Nobomvu’s situation was dire. Fortunately, she was rescued in time, demonstrating the critical need for ocean conservation.
Nobomvu suffered from osteomyelitis, a bone infection, in her right flipper. The care team at the Turtle Conservation Centre, including Dr Peter Berndt from Winelands Radiology, worked tirelessly to rehabilitate her.
After two years of care, Nobomvu regained her strength and was ready for release.
The release of Nobomvu, joined by 28 hatchlings and two yearlings, was a joyous occasion. Ayesha Cornelius, a sea turtle aquarist, reflected on the bittersweet nature of the release, emphasising the bond formed with these remarkable creatures.
- ‘Through her satellite tag, we will be able to follow her journey into the open ocean and gather data as she explores feeding grounds and rides ocean currents,’ said Cornelius. ‘This will help us better understand and protect turtles,’ she said.
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Equipped with a satellite tag, flipper tags, and a PIT tag, Nobomvu’s journey in the wild will provide valuable data for turtle conservation. This tracking will enhance experts’ understanding of turtle behaviour and habitat, aiding in future conservation efforts.
With 71% of rescued turtles at the centre having ingested plastic, Nobomvu’s experience highlights the devastating impact of ocean pollution. Ghost fishing gear poses a significant threat to air-breathing sea animals like turtles.
Her resilience is a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and the urgent need to address human-induced threats to marine life.
‘At the Turtle Conservation Centre, we consider turtles as ancient symbols of resilience, guiding us to remember the importance of living in harmony with nature to ensure its well-being for future generations,’ reflected Talitha Noble-Trull, the centre’s conservation manager.
‘Nobomvu symbolises much of human abuse of the ocean, but her unbelievable resilience also symbolises hope. Certainly, it is worth every effort to help her species. These are the life lessons she has taught me: never give up, trust the hand that is helping you, live in hope, and grow beyond challenges,’ echoed Dr Peter Berndt, a radiologist at Winelands Radiology.
Swim safely, Nobomvu!
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Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium