Loggerhead turtle rescued in Witsand

WITSAND NEWS - After a loggerhead turtle washed up in Witsand on 29 April, action was taken immediately.

The NSRI Station 33, Witsand/Port Beaufort contacted Lower Breede River Conservancy Trust (LBRCT) as soon as they got word of the washed-up turtle.

When the LBRCT arrived on the scene, they discovered a loggerhead turtle stranded between two rocks.

With assistance from the NSRI and rescuers, Mark and Sharon Coller and family, the turtle was loaded onto a bakkie.

Gershwin Fielies, the head ranger said, "After we contacted Two Oceans Aquarium and asked if we could bring the turtle in, we were on our way. Tasmyn and I made the journey through to Two Oceans where we were met by the Conservation Co-ordinator, Talitha Noble.

"The turtle was moved to the examination room where measurements were taken, and the shell received a clean in an attempt to remove the Barnacles."

Mark Coller and his family in Witsand with the stranded turtle. Photo: Sharon Coller.

She weighed 69.1 kilograms and measured 1m from the tip of her shell to the base located near her tail. It was suspected that she may have contracted pneumonia, but thanks to the excellent help at Two Oceans, she is now recovering well.

Fielies added, "We would like to say a big thank you to her rescuers. We would like to extend another thank you to Gary Taylor, who donated the fuel to the LBRCT to get the turtle to Two Oceans."

The turtles’ shell was cleaned in attempt to remove the barnacles which are clearly visible here.

LBRCT is the local conservancy in the area. Although they are not a registered rehabilitation centre, they do assist with all sick, injured or problematic animals.

Tasmyn Taylor, conservation intern said, "If a turtle washes up, there is usually a reason for it. Loggerheads can weigh up to 150kg and live to be 60 years old. For reasons still unknown this turtle washed up."

You can contact LBRCT at 028 537 1296 or visit their website.

The loggerhead turtle on a stretcher on her way to Two Oceans Aquarium. Photo: Gershwin Fielies.