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The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in Cape Town
Located in the bustling harbour neighbourhood of the V&A Waterfront, the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) is an integral part of the Two Oceans Aquarium (TOA) and its Foundation (TOAF). For almost 30 years, the TOA has been rehabilitating stranded turtles brought in by members of the public. In the past decade, this work has evolved into a world-class turtle rehabilitation centre, known throughout southern Africa.
The Importance of Turtle Rehabilitation
While our shoreline in Cape Town is not typically known for sea turtles, five of the seven species commonly strand all year round at various life stages. This includes young post-hatchling loggerhead turtles, which are predictably found along our coast every autumn and winter. These tiny turtles have travelled south with the warm Agulhas Current from the South African/Mozambiquan border.
The nesting grounds for loggerheads and leatherbacks have been protected and monitored for 60 years under the guidance of Dr George Hughes and the local government. However, upon reaching the southern coast of South Africa, these little turtles are ejected into the cooler Benguela Current, where they go into cold shock. In addition, they often sustain injuries and ingest plastic, making their journey even more challenging.
The Impact of Onshore Winds and Winter Storms
It is not uncommon for scores of little turtles to strand along the coast, swept ashore by onshore winds and winter storms. This is a critical time for the TCC, as they work tirelessly to rehabilitate and release these turtles back into the ocean.
Continuing the Legacy of Conservation
Thanks to the efforts of the TCC and other conservation organizations, the number of stranded turtles has decreased in recent years. However, the work is far from over. The TCC continues to educate the public about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats, and they also conduct research to better understand these magnificent creatures.
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Wow, this is incredible! Tracking turtles during such a crucial stage of their development will provide valuable insights into their migratory patterns and help protect these amazing creatures.