World Turtle Day: Celebrating 60+ Years of Sea Turtle Conservation in KwaZulu-Natal
This World Turtle Day weekend (23–24 May), we celebrate more than 60 years of sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and release at uShaka Sea World.
The journey began with Myrtle, the rescued turtle and the very first resident of the original Durban Aquarium — marking the start of decades of dedicated marine conservation work along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
Today, that legacy continues with inspiring rescue and rehabilitation stories, including one of the ocean’s most remarkable recent visitors: Andy the Green sea turtle.
Andy’s Journey Along the KZN South Coast
Andy, a rescued Green sea turtle, was released with a satellite tag after being found in the uMzimkhulu Estuary. What followed was an incredible journey that revealed something special about his behaviour — Andy turned out to be a true KZN South Coast local.
Instead of migrating across vast ocean distances like many sea turtles, Andy remained close to shore, spending around six months between Umtentweni and Southbroom.
Within this relatively small stretch of coastline, he still travelled more than 700 kilometres, exploring feeding grounds and navigating the rocky reefs of the region.
A “Staycation” on the South Coast
Adult Green sea turtles are known as herbivorous grazers, feeding mainly on algae and seagrass. The South Coast’s rocky reefs and rich marine ecosystems provided the perfect environment for Andy to thrive.
Rather than venturing far into open ocean, Andy demonstrated that some turtles prefer to stay local — turning the KZN coastline into a long-term “staycation” destination.
His movement pattern highlights how important the South Coast’s nearshore habitats are for marine life, especially for feeding and shelter.
A Rare Opportunity for Science and Conservation
Andy’s tracking was especially significant because adult male Green sea turtles are rarely studied in this way. His behaviour gave researchers valuable insight into how some individuals:
- Remain coastal rather than migratory
- Use small, defined feeding territories
- Rely heavily on local reef ecosystems
This kind of data is vital for improving long-term conservation strategies along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
Collaboration Behind the Conservation Effort
Andy’s journey would not have been possible without collaboration between dedicated conservation teams and organisations, including:
- The KZN Marine Stranding Network
- Andy Coetzee
- The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
- And many other partners supporting marine rescue efforts
Their combined work continues to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles along South Africa’s coastline.
World Turtle Day Activities at uShaka
If you are in Durban this weekend, visitors are encouraged to stop by uShaka Marine World to take part in special World Turtle Day awareness activities.
It’s a chance to:
- Learn more about sea turtle conservation
- Celebrate successful rescue stories like Andy’s
- Support ongoing marine rehabilitation work
- Engage with educational ocean experiences
Celebrating Ocean Guardians
World Turtle Day is a reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans and the incredible species that depend on them.
From Myrtle’s historic rescue to Andy’s remarkable South Coast journey, these stories highlight more than conservation — they highlight connection.
Connection between people, science, and the ocean.
In association with SAAMBR
