After a year of rehabilitation and care at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, Bheni, a green turtle, has returned home to the ocean. The event took place on 8 December 2023, at De Hoop Nature Reserve.
According to Laura du Toit and Heather Wares of the Two Oceans Aquarium, Bheni’s release was notable for being the first satellite-tagged turtle to re-enter the waters of the picturesque De Hoop Marine Protected Area (MPA).
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This was made possible through the support of the Morukuru Family and the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, which funded Bheni’s satellite tag.
Ed and Anka Zeeman, the owners of the Morukuru Family and the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, expressed their commitment to conservation efforts, particularly safeguarding turtles.
‘We feel privileged to have properties in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and take our role as custodians of this coastal and marine world very seriously. Our engagement in various initiatives, especially in supporting crucial conservation efforts for turtles, brings us immense joy, and we are excited to follow Bheni’s journey,’ they said.
According to Alexandra Panagiotou, a sea turtle enrichment specialist at the Turtle Conservation Centre, Bheni responded positively to treatment and enrichment techniques, making his return to the ocean a momentous occasion.
On the release day, the team, after careful preparation, brought Bheni to the beach. The turtle reportedly exhibited a sense of familiarity with the ocean, cautiously approaching the water before diving in. Observers witnessed Bheni’s gradual acclimatisation, eventually seeing him explore and dive beyond the reef.
Bheni’s rescue story began on 4 December 2022, when he was found stranded in Saldanha Bay. Despite appearing healthy, a carapace infection required immediate attention. The expert veterinary team at the centre successfully treated the infection, paving the way for Bheni’s complete recovery.
Bheni’s transition to the I&J Ocean Exhibit was the final step in his rehabilitation, preparing him for life back in the ocean.
Released at a healthy 43.5 kg, Bheni’s journey is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Turtle Conservation Centre team.
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De Hoop MPA plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and release of turtles. Its status as a Marine Protected Area offers an ideal environment for reintroducing turtles to the wild. Cape Nature’s partnership has been integral in facilitating access to these protected areas and ensuring successful releases.
The MPA, a thriving ecosystem for diverse marine life, also serves as a research ground for understanding turtle behaviour and movements. Through the efforts of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and its partners, including tagging initiatives, significant insights into turtle conservation are being gathered.
With satellite tracking, Bheni’s journey will continue to inform and inspire conservation efforts.
The public can stay updated on Bheni’s progress through Turtle Tales and social media updates from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
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Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation