Turtle Rehabilitation

In July 2011 staff members from KZN Wildlife brought an adult Green Turtle to the Rehabilitation facility at uShaka Sea World after he had been found stranded in a severely compromised condition on the beach just north of Sodwana Bay.

Upon arrival at uShaka Sea World the rehabilitation team quickly set about assessing his condition and immediately administered rehydration fluids because he was so dehydrated. Such a beautiful strong turtle deserved a suitable name and he was christened Napoleon. Napoleon was covered with barnacles giving an indication that he had spent many months in a compromised condition floating on top of the ocean without being able to dive down to feed. He had therefore received little or no nourishment for an extended period. Adult Green Turtles feed on sea algae in the warmer waters of the West Indian Ocean and need to be able to dive and hold their breath to feed. Being positively buoyant, Napoleon was unable to dive and therefore trapped on the surface of the ocean.

Blood samples were taken and after receiving the results he was put on a course of antibiotics to contain the infection which was causing him so much trouble. Shortly thereafter, the very slow journey to recovery began. It is not possible to accurately determine what caused Napoleon to become so severely affected. Sea Worlds rehabilitation staff normally only receive sub adult and juvenile Green Turtles as once turtles reach adulthood they have generally mastered the art of meeting the oceans micro and macro challenges.

Over the next few months Sea World staff continued working long after closing time on an almost daily basis encouraging Napoleon to eat and then once he was eating, the infection under control, and he had started gaining strength, the equally slow process of water physio began. His journey to recovery was marked with enormous challenges and possibly one of the most successful turtle rehabilitation stories in the history of uShaka Sea World.

After receiving a clean veterinary bill, passing his swimming and diving tests and eating everything on offer, it was decided to introduce Napoleon to the other turtles in the Turtle Exhibit whilst he continues to recover. On the 5th February 2012, after spending a period of 7 months in the hospital, Napoleon was introduced to the Turtle Exhibit where he can now spend his days in the sunshine and company of other turtles whilst continuing his treatment. At this stage we are uncertain whether Napoleon will ever make it on his own in the ocean but for now he is doing well in the exhibit, under the forever watchful eyes of his caregivers who are all working towards and holding thumbs for a full recovery.

We will keep you updated on Napoleons progress – however if you visit the Aquarium don’t forget to look out for the most handsome turtle or ask one of the Sea World staff to point him out to you.