Loggerhead Turtle Nobomvu's Triumphant Return to the Ocean

Cape Town - In an event brimming with hope and the spirit of conservation, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's Turtle Conservation Centre celebrated the release of Nobomvu, a loggerhead turtle, back into her natural habitat of the ocean currents off Cape Point. Nobomvu's journey, from rescue to rehabilitation and finally release, stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment by the aquarium's team to marine conservation.

On December 17, amidst the swirling waves of the warm Agulhas Current, a significant moment unfolded. Nobomvu, the loggerhead turtle affectionately known as the Red Lady due to her unique reddish coloration at the time of her rescue, entered back into the ocean, equipped with a satellite tag, two flipper tags, and a PIT tag for monitoring and research purposes.

The event was not just about Nobomvu, however. It included the release of 28 loggerhead hatchlings and two yearlings, each representing newfound hope for the species' survival and a brighter future for marine ecosystems.

Rescued by fishermen Kriston and Gordon from the clutches of a ghost fishing net near Quinn Point in Gansbaai on July 14, 2021, Nobomvu's life hung in the balance. The net, laden with potential tragedy, weighed as much as the turtle herself, who tipped the scales at 54.9kg. It took no fewer than 13 volunteers to release Nobomvu from this deadly embrace, exemplifying the perils marine life faces due to human activities.

At the Turtle Conservation Centre, Nobomvu's fight for life continued as vets discovered she suffered from osteomyelitis in her right flipper. Dr Peter Berndt from Winelands Radiology, nicknamed "Turtle Dad," has been integral to Nobomvu's journey to recovery, overcoming initial complications like septic arthritis and systemic bacteremia. Her resilience became a beacon of inspiration for all involved in her care.

Two years of comprehensive rehabilitation culminated in Nobomvu's introduction to the I&J Ocean Exhibit on May 7, where she gained 20kg and developed the vitality necessary for life at sea. The foundation's enrichment techniques honed her strength and confidence, preparing her for the moment of release.

Aquarist Ayesha Cornelius, deeply moved by her kinship with Nobomvu, has been with the turtle through the highs and lows of rehabilitation. She reflects that turtle releases, while bittersweet, embody the greater good of marine conservation.

Data from Nobomvu's satellite tag will offer invaluable insights into loggerhead turtles' migratory patterns and behaviors, thereby enhancing efforts in marine conservation and understanding of these majestic creatures.

Loggerhead turtles across the globe are battling the surge of oceanic pollution—plastic, chemical spills, and the ever-present ghost fishing gear threatening their survival. Nobomvu's story, mirroring the plight of marine life entangled in human negligence, serves as an urgent call to action.

Talitha Noble-Trull, the centre's conservation manager, regards turtles as symbols of fortitude, urging humanity to coexist sustainably with nature.

Nobomvu has illuminated the path of resistance against adversity, leaving Dr Berndt and countless others imbued with her lessons of perseverance and hope. Her successful return to the ocean echoes the sentiments that with effort, empathy, and dedication, we can indeed make amends for our past, safeguarding a future for these vulnerable denizens of the deep.