'Groenie' helped to good health

Video

HARTENBOS NEWS & VIDEO - An adult green sea turtle found on a beach at Still Bay in December 2018 was brought to Dr Frans de Graaff at the Hartenbos Animal Hospital.

The turtle had a serious open wound on its rear flipper. It weighed 6.5kg and was also a floater, which means it had plastic in its stomach. This prevents turtles from diving down in the water to feed.

They literally float on the ocean surface, where they are in danger of beig struck by a ship or being eaten by seabirds. The plastic in the intestines were passed quickly fortunately and "Groenie" started eating normally.

These turtles are plant eaters, although he loved his squid. When he was released, he weighed 7.4kg. The wound healed, although he now has a hole in his flipper. It is not uncommon for green sea turtles to visit our shores, but if they are found on beaches or in lagoons, report their presence because it means they are either injured or ill. Groenie was released on Saturday, 23 March at Hartenbos beach after he was microchipped and DNA samples were taken.

Watch a video below:

Turtle hatchlings
During this time of the year, sea turtle hatchlings are often found on our beaches. If found, do not put them back into the ocean. Take them home, put them in a small container on a damp cloth and keep them in a quiet place. Contact the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team S.M.A.R.T. (072 227 4715) immediately.

Remember it is illegal to keep any marine animal without reporting it. These hatchlings are extremely cute but also on the endangered list and each and every one that can be saved, is important.

All turtle hatchlings that wash up on local beaches must be rescued. Contact S.M.A.R.T. (072 227 4715).