Injured sea turtle on her way to recovery

IN SEPTEMBER this year, a female green sea turtle was found stuck inside a pipe at the Koeberg Nature Reserve. Her story of survival will wiggle its way into your heart.

She was badly injured and was rushed to the Two Oceans Aquarium medical centre for treatment. Once the conservationists at Koeberg brought her in, the medical team were extremely worried.

Green sea turtles prefer warm waters and she was at risk of suffering hypothermia (extremely low temperature), and her shell was cracked.

The people at the aquarium’s sea turtle rehabilitation-andrelease centre named her Nanuk, meaning “master of bears” in Inuit and “ice lolly” in Slovak.

When she arrived at her temporary home, Nanuk was very cold and dehydrated. However, it didn’t take long for her to regain her appetite and energy, and soon she was swimming happily in her pool.

The crack in her shell posed no immediate health risks, but it still had to be fixed. If it was left unchecked, it could have caused some serious problems.

Media executive at Two Oceans, Renee Leeuwner, said: “The crack won’t heal if it isn’t aligned. If it isn’t realigned properly, it could cause pressure on her organs and tail.”

The animal health team at Two Oceans have begun developing experimental braces for Nanuk’s shell to help put it back into place – a brace that is strong enough to bend her shell, but won’t erode in the seawater is slightly tougher.

“Nanuk will stay at the aquarium until a vet determines she is ready for release,” said Leeuwner.

Thankfully, the long healing process will give the team time to make a proper brace. We wish Nanuk a speedy recovery.

An injured green sea turtle named Nanuk is being rehabilitated at the Two Oceans Aquarium. PICTURE: SUPPLIED