Please be vigilant for small turtles washing up on our beaches at this time of year. If you encounter a tiny hatchling, please follow these important steps:
NEVER PUT IT BACK IN THE WATER!
The first thing to do is to remove the turtle from the beach and place it in a dry container where it cannot drown.
Keep it at room temperature to warm up slowly.
Stranded turtles often suffer from hypothermia, which makes them weak. In many cases, they may be so weak that they cannot lift their heads.
Turtles need to breathe air.
Like humans, sea turtles must be able to lift their heads to breathe. If the turtle is unable to do so—whether because it’s submerged in water or covered by a towel, sand, or a closed container—it will suffocate.
Get it to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
They will ensure the turtle's safe transfer to the Two Oceans Aquarium rehabilitation centre. Call the APPS number at 27725987117 for assistance.
Please do not release the turtle back into the water or leave it on the beach.
Even if its delivery is delayed or you have difficulty getting it to safety, do not be tempted to return it to the ocean. As long as the turtle is in your care, it can survive. Releasing it carelessly will almost certainly lead to its death.
If you find a dead turtle, please still pick it up.
Take it to the sanctuary so that the cause of death can be investigated. Many small turtles have died from consuming small plastic pieces.
Track important information during the rescue process:
Is it a big turtle or a tiny hatchling?
Where did you find it?
Did you notice any obvious injuries?
If you pass the turtle to someone else for transportation, ask for their name and contact number.
Passing this information to your Turtle Rescue Network contact will help ensure effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Thank you so much for caring about our marine life and helping make a difference.
#TurtleRescue#MarineConservation#SaveTheTurtles#ProtectOurSeas#TurtleAwareness#WildlifeRescue#EndPlasticPollution#OceanProtection#SeaTurtleCare#AfricanPenguinAndSeabirdSanctuary#TurtleHatchlingRescue#MarineLifeMatters#TurtleRehabilitation#PlasticFreeOceans#WildlifeProtection
Thank you Heart Lake Turtle Troopers for visiting us today and reminding us to work together to help turtles and their homes, and share what we know to help others learn too! 🐢💚
@PDSB_eco@PeelSchools#TurtleAwareness#SaveTheTurtles
As part of #SeaTurtleConservation, the Kanniyakumari Forest Department has been conducting awareness programs for Govt. school students to educate the young minds about the importance of sea turtles and their conservation.
Saved a turtle today by moving him off a very busy road.
Not all hero’s wear capes 😂🤣😂
But hey seriously cars are the number 1 killer of turtles. If you see one sunning himself on or trying to cross the road please move them to a safe place.
#TurtleAwareness