As summer fades and the ocean currents shift, a familiar sight can be witnessed along South Africa’s coastline – baby turtles, small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, begin to wash up in what conservationists call ‘stranding season’.
This critical period, spanning from late February to July, marks the most vulnerable phase for hatchlings of loggerhead and leatherback turtles as they navigate the journey from nest to ocean.
Tragically, many of these hatchlings find themselves stranded, cold, dehydrated and exhausted, battling against daunting odds for survival. The statistics show that only one or two of every 1000 hatchlings reach adulthood.
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However, thanks to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre and a dedicated network of volunteers, these rates are changing.
Led by aquatic scientist and sea turtle enrichment coordinator Alexandra Panagiotou, the team provides urgent veterinary intervention and ongoing care to stranded hatchlings.
The rescue efforts often begin with a distress call, signalling the discovery of a stranded turtle. The first hatchling of the season was found in early March, wrapped in kelp on Muizenberg Beach, and promptly brought to the Turtle Conservation Centre for care.
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Upon arrival, each hatchling undergoes a process of rehydration, examination and treatment. Gently bathed in room-temperature water, they are then placed under close observation in quarantine or critical care areas.
The veterinary team conducts thorough assessments, including bloodwork and X-rays, to tailor a treatment plan suited to each hatchling’s needs.
The cost of rescuing and rehabilitating a single hatchling averages around R10 000, including medication, food and enrichment activities.
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All the challenges facing sea turtle populations are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. By safeguarding these hatchlings, conservationists not only preserve individual turtles but also contribute to the ongoing survival of their species.
Central to these rescue efforts is the Turtle Rescue Network, a collaborative initiative spanning the Western Cape coastline.
Comprising organisations, communities, conservancies and dedicated individuals, this network ensures swift responses to stranded turtles, facilitating their transport to the Turtle Conservation Centre for life-saving intervention.
If you find a stranded turtle, you can call the Turtle Rescue Network hotline at 083 300 1663.
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Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium / Facebook
