A loggerhead turtle was rescued by the Two Oceans Aquarium after they received news of the turtle floating ‘listlessly’ near Hout Bay yesterday [31 May]. A team quickly responded.
This big loggerhead sea turtle was spotted floating listlessly near #HoutBay. Thanks to the quick thinking of those who spotted it, it will now get all the help it needs at the #Aquarium with the TOA Education Foundation’s rehab team. 🐢 #TurtleRescue #turtle #capetown pic.twitter.com/UcYdXDORUH
— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) May 31, 2020
They reported that the rescued turtle appeared to be a male, and ‘based on its size it could be in the 30-40 year age group’.
‘Once it’s had time to rest, the team will take proper measurements and check it fully for tags that could help narrow down that age,’ the Aquarium said.
The Two Oceans Aquarium said updates should follow soon on their Facebook Page.
Responding to a question posed to them by another Twitter user, the Aquarium said that these turtles live for very long, ‘easily over 70 years’.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), loggerhead turtles are a vulnerable species. ‘Bycatch, the accidental capture of marine animals in fishing gear, is a serious problem for loggerhead turtles because they frequently come in contact with fisheries,’ they explain. They are, however, less likely to be hunted for their meat or shell than other sea turtles.
Image credit: Twitter / Two Oceans Aquarium
