Meet the team at the Turtle Conservation Centre!

Talitha Noble-Trull

Turtle Conservation Centre Manager

The turtle team is led by Conservation Manager, Talitha Noble-Trull. No day is typical for Talitha, but some of her favourite activities include spending time with the rest of the turtle team, dive-feeding one of the turtles in the I&J Ocean Exhibit and working on the development of the new turtle hospital.

"Turtle conservation points to the strong need for ocean conservation. It is not enough to deal with the symptom (a sick, stranded turtle), we need to deal with the cause: An unhealthy ocean that is the home for many creatures and a life source for humans," says Talitha.

Dr Bernice van Huyssteen

Veterinarian

As one of the leading centres for turtle rehabilitation in the southern hemisphere, it is crucial that the Turtle Conservation Centre has a world-class veterinarian – enter Dr Bernice van Huyssteen! Dr Bernice works with all the turtles that are undergoing rehabilitation. This includes everything from check-ups and prescribing courses of antibiotics to doing joint surgery and taking genetic samples. Dr Bernice cares for each of her patients with compassion and incredible expertise.

"It’s a real privilege to work with these rare and endangered animals and make a difference in their lives," says Bernice.

Ayesha Cornelius

As the nutrition-focused Turtle Aquarist, Ayesha oversees what the turtles at the Turtle Conservation Centre eat every day. Turtles’ diets differ according to their species, age, and individual preference, so Ayesha has her hands full ensuring that each turtle meets their daily nutritional requirements.

"Turtles are such strong and resilient animals - it is so rewarding to see them overcome all their struggles. It is an extremely wholesome feeling to know that you are saving lives and doing good in the world," says Ayesha.

Razaan Keur

Razaan oversees the interns and volunteers at the Turtle Conservation Centre. This involves managing intake, creating rosters for daily tasks like siphoning or feeding, and instructing the interns and volunteers on the proper protocol for these tasks.

"I love that every day is different, and I get to witness the turtles’ recovery and progression. It's remarkable how they recover, especially when so many arrive in such poor states," says Razaan.

Sange Speelman

Sange oversees enrichment for all the turtles undergoing rehabilitation. Enrichment is a key tool in stimulating the turtles’ wild, natural behaviours and ensuring that they are ready to return to the ocean. Enrichment activities are tailored to each turtle’s rehabilitation journey.

"Our work gives turtles a second chance. It is a privilege to be able to meet them at their place of need until there comes a day when the ocean is a safe enough home that nature can run its course without human interruption," says Sange.

Siyolise Bezu

Siyolise oversees a crucial part of the Turtle Conservation Centre – the life support system and water quality. This means Siyolise is in charge of the mechanisms that ensure the functionality of the water supply and waste management systems that are connected to the turtles' holding pools. Seeing as turtles are entirely marine animals, this is a vital job!

"Seeing a turtle heading towards the ocean on the day of its release is a really beautiful thing, especially after they've spent months or even years in rehabilitation. Harley, the hawksbill turtle's release was super special as she was in a bad state when I first started my job - it was awesome to see her return to the ocean," says Siyolise.

Tracy Whitehead

Turtle Rescue Network Coordinator

Tracy is the founder and coordinator of the Turtle Rescue Network – the amazing community that keeps an eye on the beaches for stranded turtles. When a turtle is found stranded along our coastline, she connects the rescuer with their closest Turtle Rescue Network Point, which are organisations trained to safely rescue and transport stranded turtles.

“The Turtle Rescue Network is the most incredible accumulation of people and organisations across the Western Cape coast – they’re our eyes on the beaches. The network is a critical aspect of rescue and integral to turtle conservation," says Tracy.

Brigitte Bohmer

Vet nurse

Brigitte is a veterinary nurse at the Turtle Conservation Centre. She works closely with Dr Bernice, managing and implementing treatment plans according to her diagnoses. Brigitte also administers medication, collects lab samples, assists Dr Bernice with surgical procedures, monitors patient health, and captures medical data.

"I absolutely love making power smoothies for our special little sick hatchlings that need extra nutrition via tube feeding," says Brigitte.