Loggerhead Turtle Nobomvu Returns to the Sea: A Triumph for Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation

Cape Town's marine life enthusiasts rejoiced on December 22, 2023, as the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation marked another successful story of animal rescue and conservation. Nobomvu, a loggerhead turtle with a distinctive red hue that earned her the nickname "Red Lady," was set free into the ocean currents she once roamed before her unfortunate encounter with harmful human discards.

Nobomvu's perilous plight began on July 14, 2021, when local fishermen Kriston and Gordon discovered her ensnared in a ghost fishing net near Quinn Point in Gaansbaai. The net weighed as much as Nobomvu herself, a hefty 55kg, underscoring her dire situation. Her prompt rescue not only saved her life but also underscored the dire consequences of ocean pollution and the necessity of human commitment towards oceanic well-being.

Following her rescue, Nobomvu was transported to the Two Oceans Aquarium's Turtle Conservation Centre, where a dedicated team of marine biologists and veterinarians embarked on a meticulous two-year-long rehabilitation journey. Among them was Dr. Peter Berndt of Winelands Radiology, who contributed his medical expertise to treat the osteomyelitis that afflicted Nobomvu's right flipper. Their relentless efforts paid off as Nobomvu gradually recovered her health and vitality.

The bond between the conservationists and this resilient turtle grew stronger over the years. Ayesha Cornelius, a sea turtle aquarist, poignantly described the departure as a bittersweet moment. Nevertheless, Nobomvu was not released alone. Alongside her, 28 hatchlings and two yearlings, each a beacon of hope for the future of turtle populations, embarked on their respective journeys back to nature.

To track Nobomvu's post-release progress and gather invaluable insights into turtle behavioral patterns and habitats, she was equipped with a state-of-the-art satellite tag, in addition to flipper and PIT tags. Her monitored journey will not only illuminate the paths these majestic creatures take but also inform and inspire future conservation practices.

Tragically, an alarming statistic from the facility is that 71% of rescued turtles have ingested plastic, a stark indication of the severity of marine pollution. Ghost fishing nets, much like the one that trapped Nobomvu, continue to pose a serious threat to air-breathing marine creatures, including turtles.

Talitha Noble-Trull, the Conservation Manager at the Turtle Conservation Centre, used this occasion to reflect on turtles as enduring symbols of endurance and natural harmony. The message was clear — humanity must strive for equilibrium with the environment to safeguard its integrity for the sequent generations. Dr. Berndt echoed this sentiment, drawing life lessons from Nobomvu's journey, highlighting the themes of perseverance, trust, hope, and growth.

Today, as Nobomvu swims free, she represents not merely a single turtle saved but epitomizes the collective efforts of humanity working in unison with nature, a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and compassion. The Two Oceans Aquarium urges all to follow Nobomvu's lead — to live in harmony and grow beyond the challenges, just as she bravely did.