Lemon arrives at uShaka Sea World

On the 2nd March 2011 a tiny turtle hatchling was handed over to uShaka Sea World animal care staff by members of Calypso Diving. They had been out at sea when they came across a young turtle swimming around in circles, obviously in distress.

The little Loggerhead turtle was named Lemon and he was in relatively good condition considering that half of his left hind flipper was missing. This was probably caused by a predatory fish or bird which resulted in his strange swimming behaviour.

Treatment of his flipper started immediately and as he appeared to be hungry, he was offered specialized turtle hatchling food which he ate with relish. However, it now appears that he prefers prawns and roe to the compulsory “baby food”. Weighing in at only 33g, little Lemon is one of the smallest animals ever brought into the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility and according to staff, not only the smallest, but the cutest.

Lemon is doing very well and spends most of the day cruising around his new home, eating and sleeping at every chance he gets.