The Two Oceans Aquarium shares Bob, the turtle’s, journey in the wild so far after he was released on 27 January 2023.
A green turtle named Bob was released back into the wild after being in rehabilitation at Two Oceans Aquarium I&J Ocean Exhibit for eight years, after suffering severe bruising and a possible shell fracture.
READ: Bob released into the wild after 8 year recovery at Two Oceans Aquarium
Day 1:
After releasing Bob along the north coast of KwaZulu Natal, the team received their first transmission from the turtle’s satellite tag. Two Oceans shared that ‘Bob had a good strategy for Day 1: Move north-ish, stay just a little bit off-shore, enjoy being home and rip it, punch it, dude!’
He was released into the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA), which is split into different zones that each have additional regulations. He swam 3 km, kept to 100 m offshore, and stayed within the controlled area of uThukela, which only allows limited fishing activities.
Day 2:
Bob swam 4 km from Blythdale to Princes Grant. He probably enjoyed ‘snacking from abundant algal beds along the way.’
He then swam 5 km offshore ‘where the depth reached almost 50 m. Bob must have really liked the deep-water coral reefs here, as he remained this distance offshore’ while moving north the following day.’
Day 3:
Day 3 was a rather exciting day for the big turtle as he swam 18 km north and made it past the Tugela River Mouth, entering ‘the most protected part of the uThukela MPA.
‘This river mouth is a special spawning site for garrick (a SASSI red-listed fish that cannot be bought or sold), the area, and the 44 km of ocean that extends from it, enjoys an extra level of protection.’
Day 4:
Bob swam out 12 km offshore but looked as though he was turning around. ‘Perhaps he’s heading back to those yummy algal beds?’
Bob is currently in an area where the South African Association for Marine Biological Research team is tracking turtles. One of which is Nala, a green turtle who was released 6 weeks before Bob, after spending only 3 weeks in rehabilitation. ‘It is amazing to see the similarities between Nala and Bob’s first few days back to the ocean. Both showed similar movements and covered similar distances.’
You can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium website if you want to receive updates on Bob.
Pictures: Linda Ness
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