Two Oceans Aquarium release 23 sea turtles back into ocean

The Two Oceans Aquarium works hard to rehabilitate stranded creatures that come into their care. From sea birds to turtles, the team of specialists are dedicated to returning these animals back to their natural home.

The Aquarium released 23 sea turtles who had completed their rehabilitation with the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation on Thursday, January 23.

The oceanic reptiles were given a final scrub down and fed their favourite food in preparation for their release.

In total, 21 loggerheads including 19 hatchlings, 1 hawksbill turtle and 1 green turtle were released.

These animals were at the Two Oceans for the past year and were continuously cared for during lockdown.

“We couldn’t be more excited to see them all gliding beneath the waves again,” said the Two Oceans Aquarium in a Facebook post.

Among the turtles released was Annette the loggerhead, who has become much-loved by visitors for her swimming posture.

“Her weird swimming posture, a.k.a. her “bubble butt”, has been a talking point for visitors of all ages, and as much as we have all come to love her, we’ve known it would eventually be time for her to move on,” said the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Annie, as she is affectionately known, was first brought to the Two Oceans Aquarium in 2019 after being found tangled in a fishing net. She was rescued by the NSRI. Since her rescue, she has lived in the I&J Ocean Exhibit.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation’s turtle rehab team worked tirelessly to help Annie get regain enough strength, fitness and health to be released back into the ocean.

The team worked with the Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries to ensure Annie’s release on Thursday went swimmingly. She was safely removed from the exhibit and fitted with a satellite tracking tag to inform the team on her journey.

Picture: Facebook/ Two Oceans Aquarium