Nobomvu, a loggerhead turtle, and Bheni, a green turtle, were recently reintegrated into their ocean homes after successful rehabilitation efforts by the Turtle Conservation Centre.
As per Talitha Noble and Laura du Toit of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, here’s what their tracking tags have told the centre’s experts about their adventure so far:
Also read: Two Oceans celebrates release of another successfully rehabilitated turtle
Nobomvu:
Nobomvu, the loggerhead turtle, underwent a two-year rehabilitation under the care of the Turtle Conservation Centre.
According to Talitha Noble, conservation manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, on the day of her release, Nobomvu seemed to sense the approaching freedom, exhibiting signs of excitement as she neared the ocean.
Released from a bright yellow stretcher, she briefly lingered at the surface, taking a moment to process her return before disappearing into the depths with the grace of a healthy female loggerhead.
Nobomvu’s journey has so far seen her navigate westward for six days, utilising the currents and winds, before shifting south with increased speed.
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Her path closely mirrors that of Bob, another special turtle known for travelling along the continental shelf’s edge.
This route led her through the Brown Bank Corals Marine Protected Area, a crucial zone for hake spawning and a testament to the importance of such protected areas in marine conservation.
Also read: Bheni, a rehabilitated green turtle, returns to the ocean
Bheni:
Bheni, a green turtle that was released a few weeks earlier into the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, has been just as busy.
His explorations in the MPA were short-lived, as he soon set off eastward, eventually catching a southward current near Jongensfontein.
This current propelled him towards Cape Agulhas, marking the new year with a milestone in his journey.
Bheni then continued to ride the currents, passing through another vital Marine Protected Area, the Agulhas Mud MPA, known for its mud flats and as a refuge for the Agulhas sole.
At present, Bheni is approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Gaansbaai, having travelled an impressive 584 kilometres.
‘We are so proud of our travelling turtles – not only are they proving themselves with their incredible journeys, but they are also making invaluable contributions to turtle research in South Africa! The ultimate goal for all of the turtles undergoing rehabilitation with our Turtle Conservation Centre is release, and it is heartwarming to follow along on their adventures.’
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Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation