Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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11 Sep 2023

‘Grand old lady’ green turtle in ICU in Durban after stranding in Mtunzini

Tamlyn Head (Zululand Observer) Picture: SAAMBR. Storm's prognosis is guarded but there is hope for a full recovery.

A green turtle of unknown age but weighing in at 163 kg and measuring 111 cm is in ICU at Durban’s uShaka Sea World after washing ashore on the beach at Mtunzini. Easily the largest green turtle ever cared for by scientists at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), Storm, as she has been named, is receiving the best possible care, yet her prognosis remains guarded.

The KZN Stranding Network and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife members worked together to transport the stranded ‘grand old lady’ to the Sea Turtle Hospital at uShaka Sea World on Sunday morning.

“On admission, she was found to be positively buoyant, noticeably bloated and carrying a high load of external parasites,” said SAAMBR in a statement on Friday.

“Fluids were administered to assist her with rehydration, and she was placed in an observation pool and left to rest overnight.

“Although her activity levels have increased slightly in the last two days, she tires easily and is currently being treated as an ICU patient.”

“Caring for such a large animal presents various challenges, and our veterinary and rehab team have done exceptionally well to get Storm through the last few days. Prognosis is guarded but we are doing everything we can to help her,” said SAAMBR lead aquarist Malini Pather.

Storm’s age is unknown as turtles cannot be aged via teeth, for example, as other animals can, but she is a grand old lady, having undoubtedly been navigating the oceans for decades.

‘Mammoth’ green turtle weighing 163 kg in rehab at uShaka Sea World in Durban
Photo: SAAMBR

 

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