Endangered turtles beach along coast

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Several loggerhead turtle hatchlings have been rescued along the Plettenberg Bay and Knysna coast over the past few weeks as the annual “stranding season” is now under way.

The turtles are hatchlings from KwaZulu-Natal, the nearest breeding area, that become caught in strong currents.

Aquarium spokesperson Renee Leeuwner appealed to all beachgoers to be on the lookout for these hatchlings.

What you can do: There are several steps to be taken when one comes across these critters.

“Don’t put it back in the water,” Leeuwner said. In many cases the animal would be too weak to survive if it was placed back in the ocean.
Contact the nearest turtle network point. Due to these mass strandings every year, the Turtle Rescue Network – a collaboration of coastal organisations working with Southern Cape communities to get rescued sea turtles to the Two Oceans Aquarium for emergency care as quickly as possible – was established.
Leeuwner also advised to place the turtle in a dry container, with air holes, with a soft towel. “Also keep the turtle out of the sun and wind.”

• Read more in the Knysna-Plett Herald and online.

What to do if you find a turtle.