GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's Turtle Conservation Centre team set off on their 2026 Turtle Road Trip along the Garden Route and Southern Cape coastlines earlier this week, engaging with key role players in turtle rescue while raising awareness ahead of the annual turtle stranding season.
The road trip, which runs until 23 February, focuses on strengthening partnerships and sharing knowledge about turtle rescue.
"It's about connecting with established and new partners to further the knowledge and know-how around turtle rescues along our coasts," said Talitha Noble-Trull, the conservation centre's manager.
The initiative is a collaborative effort led by the Turtle Conservation Centre team, who travel the Western Cape coastline ahead of the annual turtle hatchling stranding season, which typically begins towards the end of March.
Along the way, the team shares stories about endangered sea turtles, the importance of rescue efforts and the rehabilitation journey that prepares the turtles for release back into the wild.
The team started in Plettenberg Bay on 16 February and are making their way down the coast towards Cape Town.
Stops along the route included Sedgefield on Tuesday 17 February, Mossel Bay (18 February), Still Bay (19 February), and stops in Struisbaai, Gansbaai and Betty's Bay.
Mark Dixon, a local marine biologist, conservationist and founder of the Strandloper Project, addresses the crowd on Tuesday. Some Glenwood High learners also attended the event.
During the stranding season, hundreds of baby turtles wash up on our beaches after weather systems push them out of the warm Agulhas Current. These hatchlings need to be found and safely transported to the centre where they are rehabilitated and prepared for release.
"The Western Cape coastline boasts an incredible turtle rescue network of more than 2 000 people who are making a real difference to turtle conservation," said Tracy Whitehead, Turtle Rescue Network co-ordinator.
Residents are encouraged to look out for the team's branded vehicle and follow the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's social media platforms for updates and further information.
WATCH: Jeff Ayliffe caught up with Talitha and her team.
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