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Turtle Rescue Network

Turtle Rescue Network

Every turtle rescue is made possible by members of the public - just like you

Turtle Rescue Hotline: 083 300 1663

Call us to report stranded or distressed sea turtles on the Western Cape coast - we'll give you the information you need and coordinate efforts to get the turtle into the hands of trained veterinary staff at our Turtle Conservation Centre.

What is the Turtle Rescue Network?

Rescuing stranded sea turtles along the Western Cape coastline would not be possible without the dedicated individuals and organisations that form our Turtle Rescue Network. Our Turtle Conservation Centre is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles in need, but we rely on the public to help us find them. Most stranded turtles are discovered by beachgoers, fishers, and runners. That’s why we created the Turtle Rescue Network: A collective of like-minded people and organisations stretching from Lambert’s Bay to Gqeberha, ensuring that every stranded turtle gets rapid assistance. With over 2 000 members across the Western Cape, the Network can be activated with one simple call to our Turtle Rescue Hotline: 083 300 1663. From there, we coordinate collection, transport, and stabilisation, safely delivering each rescued turtle to our Turtle Conservation Centre for care and rehabilitation.

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Go to: Hatchling stranding season
Go to: Adult turtle stranding season

Turtle Rescue Network Points

Turtle Network Points are situated all over the Western Cape's coastline, from Lamberts Bay all the way to Gqeberha. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation works very closely with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Shark Spotters, SANPARKS, the South African Shark Conservancy, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Lower Breede River Conservancy, Cape Nature, Whale Coast Conservation, Bayworld, and many incredible organisations and community groups to facilitate turtle rescues. Many members of the Turtle Rescue Network provide temporary holding for stranded turtles, from where we arrange their transport to the Turtle Conservation Centre. We salute our turtle rescuers!

If you live near or in any of the areas below, please save the relevant contact details to your phone as well as our Turtle Rescue Hotline - you never know when you may become a turtle rescuer. 

What should I do if I find a stranded turtle?

The most important thing to remember is don’t put the turtle back into the water. When a turtle washes ashore, it means that there is something wrong, and it needs our help. If they are put back into the ocean in this weak and distressed state, they may drown. Next, phone the Turtle Rescue Hotline on 083 300 1663. Our Turtle Rescue Coordinator will talk you through the next steps and connect you with your closest Turtle Network Point. It is vital to stay with the stranded turtle and keep it out of the sun and wind. If possible, place it on a dry towel in a sheltered, ventilated box for transport to the Turtle Conservation Centre. 

Go to: Download our turtle rescue infographic
Turtle Rescue Network

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