Welcome to the I&J Ocean Exhibit, Habanero!

In February, our Turtle Conservation Centre welcomed a new turtle to the rehabilitation space: An adult male loggerhead!

Washed ashore in Witsand, Habanero was in a dire state after his rescue despite weighing 75kg. He was covered with thousands of leeches and their eggs, which had made him severely anaemic. Once the turtle team had successfully de-leeched Habanero, his blood levels slowly started to recover as he gained strength, and his appetite improved hugely!

As part of their usual diagnostic work, the turtle team conducted X-rays that revealed Habanero had severe septic arthritis in his front left flipper. Our turtle veterinarian, Dr Bernice van Huyssteen, took a sample of his joint fluid to identify the bacteria causing the infection. This helped her to decide on a targeted antibiotic treatment plan. For two months after this vital procedure, the veterinary team focused on stabilising Habanero’s condition and helping him gain strength.

Dr Bernice then led the team in a second critical surgery. The procedure aimed to flush and debride the front left flipper’s joint of the necrotic (dead) tissue and bacteria. “Without this procedure, it was unlikely that the infection would ever resolve with antibiotic treatment alone,” said Dr Bernice. While the joint’s condition was found to be significantly degraded, the surgery was successful.

Currently, Habanero is undergoing treatment that includes targeted antibiotics and pain management to allow full resolution of the infection, hopefully without the need for any further surgical intervention. “While Habanero will most likely never have a normal range of motion in that flipper, an infection- and pain-free joint will be the best possible outcome we can achieve for him,” says Dr Bernice. Over the course of the next few months, the veterinary team will closely monitor the healing process of the joint.

Another meaningful milestone in Habanero’s journey is that he has been adopted by the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation! This support continues Morukuru’s long-standing commitment to the Turtle Conservation Centre. With one of their lodges based in De Hoop Marine Protected Area, a strategic location for both turtle rescue and release, Morukuru is uniquely positioned to support conservation efforts. Now, through Habanero’s adoption, they are extending that support into rehabilitation. Thanks to this partnership, all aspects of Habanero’s care, from nutrition and enrichment to medical treatment and water quality, are fully covered.

To support his recovery and build shoulder strength, Habanero has been introduced into the I&J Ocean Exhibit, where he can swim more freely and interact with other animals. This move is particularly exciting as it's the first time a mature male turtle has been introduced into the exhibit. It is also the first time two male turtles, Habanero and Kai, are sharing the space. Observations have revealed some healthy displays of dominance as they establish their dynamics, which is a promising sign. These interactions indicate that both turtles retain key natural behaviours that will be essential for survival in the wild.

As an adult male loggerhead turtle, Habanero’s eventual release will have a valuable impact on the wild population – he could contribute to species survival and genetic diversity. We look forward to the day when he can once again swim free: Stronger, wiser, and ready to play his part in the survival of his species.