Look out for baby turtles on our beaches

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Every year between March and May, large numbers of tiny turtle hatchlings from KwaZulu-Natal, drift southwards in the warm Agulhas currents and are often blown into colder Cape waters by strong wind and sea conditions.

Here they end up beaching along the coastline, stunned by the cold, dehydrated and sometimes injured.

These tiny creatures rescued along the Garden Route are transported to the rescue centres Bayworld in Gqeberha and the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, where they are rehabilitated and, when they are strong and healthy enough, released back into the wild.

Often, the little turtles have picked up 'passengers' such as barnacles and algae, making them tough to spot on the beach.

What to do when you find a turtle

Please be on the lookout for stranded turtle hatchlings like these, phone the rescue hotline on 083 300 1663 if you find a turtle and find out where your nearest turtle network point is.

Transport the turtle to the network point in a tub or box with a dry towel as soon as possible, keeping it out of direct sunlight and wind.

Do not put the turtles back into the water - they are most probably tired and weak.

A baby loggerhead that was rescued and treated by the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Straight from the turtle's mouth

Turtle Tales, a regular mailer, covers everything you want to know about these amazing animals: updates straight from the Turtle Conservation Centre, tracking updates, interesting facts, and Turtle Heroes.

To sign up and become part of the community, please visit https://bit.ly/3mjuvoE.

A baby turtle being assessed at the Two Oceans Aquarium.