Stranded loggerhead turtles alert

Sandiso Phaliso

LOOK OUT for stranded loggerhead turtles when you’re at the beach. The Two Oceans Aquarium is on its yearly mission to save and rehabilitate as many of them as possible

Every year, between April and June, juvenile loggerhead turtles wash up along the Western Cape coast.

Last year the aquarium received a record number of these hatchlings and rehabilitated more than 200.

The turtles wash up from the Indian and Atlantic oceans from Yzerfontein to Struisbaai and beyond.

Aquarium spokesperson Renée Leeuwner has asked people not to return the turtles to the sea.

Instead she asks that you keep them dry and at room temperature.

They do not need to be in water.

Leeuwner said the turtle can be placed in a container with ample airholes.

Remember to make a note of exactly where it was found.

Sea turtles are temperate water animals and when they are washed up on the beaches they are often suffering from hypothermia, dehydration and possibly infection, she said.

This advice was only valid for marine turtle strandings around the Western Cape.

“Rehabilitation of these turtles can take a year or more, depending on the needs of each individual, as some are not only suffering from hypothermia, but are also injured and require treatment which can include X-rays, antibiotics, continuous veterinary care and in some cases corrective surgery,” said Leeuwner.

“We are appealing to people to again keep an eye open for any strandings this year.

“We currently have nine being rehabilitated.”

Should beachgoers come across a turtle elsewhere around the coast, the nearest aquarium or animal rehabilitation centre should be contacted. Contact the aquarium on 021 418 3823 if you find a turtle. For more info visit http:// www.aquarium.co.za/blog/ entry/stranded_turtles_what_ to_do

sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za

@PhalisoSandiso