Waiting for the right weather conditions over the past few weeks had delayed plans, but yesterday we finally received the all-clear to head to Durban to release 17 juvenile loggerhead turtles back into the ocean.

Renée Leeuwner, the assistant communications and sustainability manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium (right), with the rest of the turtle-release team

The turtles were already waiting there for us – they’ve been staying at uShaka Sea World since November, after being rehabilitated at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Concerned members of the public brought them to us after finding them washed up on Cape Town beaches.

Now, fully healthy and happy, and re-acclimatising to Durban waters at uShaka Sea World, we were able to get on a boat and head out to sea to return them to their rightful home.

We live-tweeted the occasion this morning (despite connectivity issues and a pretty bumpy ride!) – check out our tweets and the video below:

This is one of the little guys that will be released today. #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/eOMeHTabsU

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

Kids from Addington Primary, neighbouring school, greeting Rambo who they met as part of anti-litter campaign pic.twitter.com/ugJFq2gIOi

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

The uShaka team that will be releasing 17 turtles that were rehabbed at the Two Oceans Aquarium. #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/RyqE67Of71

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

Heading out into a very misty morning here in Durban #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/xZahYeh1ZL

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

We are halfway to our destination. Can't wait to see these guys swim off. #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/4YnP8u7kq4

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

And off they go! 17 loggerhead turtles back in the ocean! #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/vjOmmtybGn

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

This one stuck around for a while and then took off into the deep blue. #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/abq2BRUcj8

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

Last photo of today - Riaan from uShaka Sea World with one of the turtles just before its release. #turtlerelease pic.twitter.com/UTjKF6K1SX

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) January 29, 2015

Our conservation work is only made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors, and members of the public. If you would like to make a donation to the Two Oceans Aquarium, please visit our shop.

UPDATE: We chatted to News24 about the release – watch the video below.

Here’s another angle on the story, from uShaka Sea World: uShaka Sea World and Two Oceans join forces to save turtles.

Here’s how eNCA covered the story: Loggerhead turtles returned to the wild.