Emergency Rescue: Saving Endangered Turtles

Hello!

Back in April South Africa had some extreme storms hiit the coastline this resulted in our hatchling rescues begin early in April and we rescuing 605, the biggest year yet, loggerhead hatchlings. Once they are rescued by our beach rescue teams up and down the coastline they are transported to our rehab and turtle hosiptal in Cape Town, many will need further testing including MRI's to determin treatment, once treated they go into rehab where they must complete a number of tasks before being eligiable for release. This can take around 6 months and costs around $3,000 per hatcling. 

The reason so many rescues are needed is because of the amount of plastic in the ocean and these hatchlings eat it and become sick. We survived the year with the support of donations and now we move to release stage and again this is also very expensive as all hatchlings are radio tagged so we can track them, transported to a Marine Protected Area to help their re-introduction. 

On 6th November the team released the first 12 rescued hatchling back into the ocean and the first few days are looking duccessful this is thank you to a donation from a USA turtle program that funded these releases and now we need to raise further funds to release the remain 500+ turtles

Thank you for supporting 

Rescuing Sea Turtles: A Tale of Hope and Conservation

In the vast expanse of the ocean, where waves crash against rugged shores, a silent struggle unfolds—a battle for survival fought by sea turtles. Our project stands as a beacon of hope, rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing these magnificent creatures. Let’s dive into the heartwarming journey of sea turtle conservation along the Western Cape’s coast.

The Plight of Stranded Sea Turtles

Stranded and Distressed: Sea turtles, ancient mariners of the deep, sometimes find themselves stranded—caught in fishing nets, injured by boat propellers, or weakened by illness.

A Race Against Time: When a stranded turtle washes up on our shores, the clock ticks. Every moment matters—the tides, the sun, and the turtle’s strength all play a role.

Our Mission: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release

First Responders: Our team of dedicated volunteers and organizations patrols the coastline, responding swiftly to distress calls.

The Clinic: Our clinic becomes a haven. Here, we nurse turtles back to health, mend broken shells, and provide nourishment.

Loggerheads and Leatherbacks: These giants’ nest on our coast. When injured, they become common patients in our clinic.

Unexpected Guests: Green, olive ridley, and hawksbill sea turtles also seek refuge with us. Each one tells a unique story.

The Journey Back to the Wild

Strength and Resilience: As the turtles regain strength, we witness their resilience. Their eyes, ancient and wise, reflect determination.

Release Day: The sun kisses their shells as we carry them to the shore. With a gentle push, they return to their watery realm.

A Shared Victory: Hundreds of sea turtles have danced this delicate ballet—rescued, reared, and set free. Their flippers propel them toward the horizon, a promise of continuity.

Why It Matters

Ecosystem Guardians: Sea turtles shape marine ecosystems. They graze seagrass beds, control jellyfish populations, and carry the wisdom of millennia.

Ocean Stewards: By saving sea turtles, we protect the oceans. Their survival is intertwined with ours.

As the sun sets over the Western Cape, we stand on the shore, knowing that our efforts ripple across time. Sea turtles swim freely, their ancient song echoing through the waves. Our project is more than conservation—it’s a symphony of compassion, resilience, and hope.

Remember, every turtle released is a promise kept—a promise to safeguard our blue planet.