Annie, a loggerhead turtle, was rescued from ‘ghost fishing’ by the NSRI on Noordhoek Beach in 2019. ‘Ghost fishing’ means that fishing gear was abandoned in the ocean after being used, and then traps other animals in it unintentionally.
After being rehabilitated at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Annie could be released back into the ocean on 14 January 2021, according to Getaway Magazine. She was fitted with a satellite tag, thanks to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
Read: Turtle rescued from fishing nets to be released at Cape Point soon
Now, the team shared an update on Annie’s endeavours.
“Our favourite ‘bubble butt’ Annie has been swimming around & exploring Maputo Bay for the last 14 days – lovely place for her to choose to be hanging out of course,” the team said on Facebook on Sunday, July 4.
Annie was affectionately nicknamed ‘Bubble Butt’ because she swam with her bum in the air. Maryke Musson at the Aquarium said that “there may [have been] some air trapped in her body cavity, or otherwise she is just one very gassy lady!”
“We are delighted her tag has continued to transmit data, though transmission quality is not perfect, hence some ‘tortoise’ positions spotted,” the team added.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is raising funds for their Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release programme in June & July. If you would like to help them hit their target of R750 000, you can click here to find out more or donate.
Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation