This is how you can save our ocean's baby turtles

The recent discovery of the first loggerhead turtle hatchling of the season, found stranded on Plettenberg Bay's Central beach on March 10, highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts along our coastlines. These hatchlings, typically originating from KwaZulu-Natal, face perilous journeys, often ending up stranded due to strong currents and rough sea conditions, particularly between April and May. 

Baby loggerhead turtles often wash up on the beaches along the Garden Route, and some may even stray as far as Cape Town. This is thousands of kilometres from where they were hatched along the northern coast of Kwazulu-Natal. Being displaced from one ocean climate to another.

Moreover, our oceans face many threats, from pollution and climate change to overfishing and habitat destruction. Now, more than ever, concerted efforts are needed to safeguard the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and protect the integral diversity of the life they support.

Various community-driven initiatives, such as the Two Oceans Foundation in Cape Town and the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay, strive to make a tangible difference in the face of these challenges.

What to do if you spot a turtle on the beach

Image Source: rootsinterns.net

Steven Hendriks from the Tenikwa stresses the critical role of community involvement when encountering stranded turtles, advocating for immediate action to prevent further harm to these delicate creatures. 

There have been several cases where individuals have, through good nature, attempted to rescue and return turtles to ocean water. This is the worst thing you can do, as these very ocean currents stranded them in the first place. The turtles are often victims of these currents and become stranded off course, lost and confused. The absolute worst thing one could do is put them back in that situation.

Upon discovery, it is advised that you put them in a dry container at room temperature, avoid feeding or providing water, and promptly contact local wildlife rehabilitation centres like Tenikwa or CapeNature for assistance. This is how you truly save a life!

Tenikwa can be contacted at 082-486-1515 or 044-534-817

The Two Oceans Foundation can be contacted at 021-814-4544

Conservation efforts throughout our Coastline

  Image Source: natgeokids.com

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre are dedicated to wildlife conservation in South Africa.

Central to the Two Oceans Aquarium efforts is the Turtle Conservation Centre, a critical facility dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing endangered sea turtles. Through tireless work, the Centre provides a lifeline for countless turtles, offering them a second chance at life amidst pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.

In parallel, Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre has been a stalwart of injured wildlife since its inception in 2002. What began as a modest effort to rehabilitate injured birds has evolved into a comprehensive wildlife rehabilitation program admitting approximately 200-300 animals annually. 

With stringent permit conditions enforced by governmental regulatory bodies, Tenikwa ensures the highest standards of care for its patients. Releases are meticulously coordinated with nature authorities and conservation bodies, ensuring rehabilitated animals have the best chance at thriving in their natural habitats.

Rest assured, the turtles you rescue will make their way back home once treated, cared for, and rehabilitated.

Community engagement and education

Educating the community is a crucial cornerstone of conservation. By raising awareness and empowering individuals to take action, NGOs such as these work to ensure marine life's safety and foster a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the ocean. 

Through educational programmes, outreach initiatives, and interactive exhibits, these centres inspire people of all ages to drive positive change for future generations.
https://www.aquarium.co.za/foundation/conservation/turtle-conservation-centre

Hamilton's Property Portfolio would like to urge community members to educate themselves and grow their awareness of these incredible creatures and the vital work carried out by these incredible initiatives.

Read our previous article here

Contact one of our offices below; we look forward to hearing from you:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418 0328 
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 021 863 0551
Mauritius: +230 5723 0369
Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za

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