Human Interest
Scarce turtle rescued at Mossel Bay─── 15:19 Thu, 19 Jan 2017
Mossel Bay - A turtle that is rarely found in Cape waters was rescued by the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team in Mossel Bay yesterday afternoon.
The hawksbill sea turtle, which is known for its colourful shell, was found with a neck wound and taken to the Hartenbos Animal Hospital for treatment.
The turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle and is found in tropical waters around the world.
Cape Town Two Oceans Aquarium spokesperson, Helen Lockhart, says they will travel to Mossel Bay to collect the turtle. She says the turtle most probably drifted with a current towards the Mossel Bay area, saying it was probably already weak and injured.
Lockhart says before releasing the turtle into warmer waters they will first equip it with a satellite tracking device.
The Hawksbill population has declined more than 80% in the last century, due to the trade in their shell.
Louise Karsten/OFM News
Photo: Hartenbos Animal Hospital