Bokkie, the amputee green turtle, took its first plunge back into the Indian Ocean, off the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast after a year of rehabilitation at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

Bokkie, an amputee green turtle takes the plunge into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean at Sodwana Bay, part of the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area.

Luna the green turtle who was rescued from Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape in February, was also released alongside Bokkie.

The turtles were released into the Marine Protected Area of iSimangaliso Wetland Park on Monday October 21 by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre team, with the help of South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).

The green turtle was found stranded on Struisbaai beach by members of the Turtle Rescue Network, around the time that Springboks narrowly beat England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final.

Bokkie was found stranded in Struisbaai thanks to efforts of the Turtle Rescue Network. They were in extremely poor condition, with one of their front flippers amputated. Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium

The turtle, who was aptly named Bokkie, was transported to the turtle conservation centre and arrived, covered in algae and with an amputated left front flipper.

During the process of admitting Bokkie into the rehabilitation centre, the turtle team removed 800 grams of barnacles from its plastron (bottom shell).

A statement from the aquarium said that the team expected Bokkie’s amputated flipper wound to be her biggest challenge, however, three days into her treatment at the Turtle Conservation Centre, a bigger problem was evident. Bokkie had mistaken bits of plastic pollution for food resulting in bowel obstruction. In total, they excreted 47 separate pieces of plastic, an unenviable record for the most plastic found in a turtle treated at the Turtle Conservation Centre.

Bokkie excreted a total of 47 pieces of plastic during the first few months at the Turtle Conservation Centre. Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium

A total of 71% of rescued turtles at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre have consumed plastic in their lifetimes, said the statement.

After extensive medical treatment and a year of rehabilitation, Bokkie was ready for release.

“The release of our amputee green turtle in iSimangaliso Wetland Park is close to our hearts and important to our work. The collaborative efforts to transport, get permits for and action Bokkie’s release were inspiring for the future of turtle conservation in South Africa.

“We are thrilled to be working with SAAMBR, iSimangaliso, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and look forward to building this network of conservation organisations,” said Talitha Noble-Trull, Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre Manager.

Following Bokkie’s journey, the team watched as the turtle covered the short distance between the beach and the surf and quickly plunged into the warm waters of her wild ocean home.

Alexandra Panagiotou, Aquatic Scientist and Sea Turtle Enrichment Coordinator at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre said: “Watching our three-flippered Bokkie swim off into the reef at Sodwana Bay beach was a moment of pride. However, it is always bittersweet releasing one of our rehabilitated turtles, because as we delight in them being strong enough for release, we cannot ensure their safety and survival in a polluted ocean.”

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where the turtles were released, is home to the Coral Reef and Turtle Beaches of Tongaland, a key part of the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, said iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Acting CEO Keletso Tembe.

“Each year, we monitor turtle nesting activity and work diligently to ensure that hatchlings make their way safely back to the ocean.

“It is a privilege to witness moments like the release of Bokkie, a turtle that has travelled far to find sanctuary in iSimangaliso, where she can thrive in the warmth of the Indian Ocean. Stories like Bokkie’s continue to inspire us, strengthening our commitment to conservation in South Africa.”

Bokkie was fitted with a satellite tag which will allow the team to follow her movements after release.

“We are excited about the possibilities of releasing our rehabilitated turtles in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park MPA. Bokkie’s satellite tag gives the team a chance to follow their movements in the weeks and months to come,” said Ms Noble-Trull