Please note: Turtle Buff orders can no longer be placed. Please do donate to our conservation fund if you wish to support our work. And watch this space for future promotions. Thank you - 3 October 2015
Since our last turtle rehabilitation update in June, the Two Oceans Aquarium’s turtle count has crossed the 200 mark. We’re still receiving stranded loggerhead hatchlings and larger turtles from Arniston to Wilderness.
Recently, we asked for donations to our turtle rehabilitation programme and we had a great response. Now we have another wonderful way through which you can contribute to this amazing, lifesaving cause.
Introducing ... the Turtle Buff®
The fun, custom-designed Turtle Buff® has been created especially to raise funds for the Two Oceans Aquarium’s turtle rehabilitation programme.
Each Turtle Buff® sold at R220 will equate to a donation of R100 to the rehabilitation and release of sea turtles by the Aquarium. Buff® South Africa will also generously donate an additional 10% of all units sold to the turtle rehabilitation fund.
To place orders and make payments, click here. [Please note: Turtle Buff orders can no longer be placed. Please do donate to our conservation fund if you wish to support our work. And watch this space for future promotions. Thank you - 3 October 2015]
Please note, this is a limited offer and orders will only be accepted until 30 September. Thereafter, the estimated time of delivery for the Buff® is 6 weeks. All orders must be collected from the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Why turtles?
Sea turtles are living dinosaurs, having survived some 90-million years on Earth. Sadly, turtle populations are rapidly declining and all seven species of sea turtles are threatened with extinction. Taking into account that it is estimated that only 1 in 1 000 turtle hatchlings reach adulthood, and the fact that sea turtles are facing ever-increasing threats from human activities, rehabilitating any stranded and injured sea turtle is a priority to ensure the survival of the species.
Stranding and rehabilitation
Each year a number of stranded hatchling turtles are brought to the Two Oceans Aquarium for rehabilitation. These small turtles are however not the only sea turtles that the Aquarium rehabilitates. Adult and sub-adult turtles are also rehabilitated and the species range include loggerhead, green, olive ridley, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles. The turtles range in size from 25g to 80kg.
Rehabilitation of these turtles can take a year or more, depending on the needs of each individual, as some are not only suffering from hypothermia, but are also injured and require specific treatment which can include x-rays, antibiotics, regular and continuous veterinary care and in some cases corrective surgery. During this time, the Aquarium carries all costs associated with the rehabilitation.
Thousands of rands are spent on providing these animals with the best possible medical care and sometimes this includes specialist veterinary care from consulting vets, specialist medication and the employment of additional staff.
Once the turtles are ready for release, the Aquarium also foots the bill for flying the turtles to Durban or other appropriate areas for release.
Two Oceans Aquarium Senior Aquarist Kevin Spiby. Photo by Jacques Marais
Buy a Buff® to save a turtle
Not only will the Turtle Buff® make a beautiful addition to any outfit - and essential protection against the elements when you're outdoors - but when you buy one (or more) you will be making an invaluable contribution to the turtle rehabilitation programme at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Moreover, you will also contribute to the fight to ensure the survival of all sea turtle species. Click here to order now. [Please note: Turtle Buff orders can no longer be placed. Please do donate to our conservation fund if you wish to support our work. And watch this space for future promotions. Thank you - 3 October 2015]
If you would like to know more about Buff®, have a look at Buff South Africa on Facebook and @Buff_ZA on Twitter
