LOOK: Green sea turtle found stranded on Munster beach

A green sea turtle was found stranded on the beach at Munster on the lower south coast earlier this week.

LOOK AS THE GREEN SEA TURTLE WAS FOUND STRANDED

According to Dr Yvette Ehlers Smith, a Regional Ecologist at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the green sea turtle measuring 45cm carapace was found on Wednesday.

With assistance from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the lower South Coast SPCA, members of the KZN Stranding Network ensured that he was transported in comfort to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR)’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre at uShaka Sea World.

Lead Aquarist Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, Malini Pather, said they administered fluids and made Jacques comfortable for the night in a shallow heated holding pool lined with soft padding.

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THE SICK TURTLE WAS TRANSPORTED IN COMFORT TO A REHABILITATION CENTRE

“We continued to monitor him throughout the night and were very relieved that he appeared a little more alert the next morning.

“We decided to name him Jacques after the great ocean explorer Jacque Cousteau as we hope that against the odds he is currently facing, he will one day be strong enough to continue his great global ocean adventurers,”

Malini Pather

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She said when the turtle rehabilitation staff initially assessed Jacques on Wednesday evening; they were very concerned as he was totally motionless and so weak he was unable to open his eyes.

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‘HE HAD GAS TRAPPED IN HIS GASTRIONTESTINAL TRACT WITH SIGNS OF AN INFECTION’

“Shortly after the veterinary team arrived, they performed diagnostics which included bloods, radiographs and an ultrasound. It was evident that he had gas trapped in his gastrointestinal tract with signs of an infection. (mclaneedgers.com)

“It is difficult to determine the exact cause of the gas and infection at this stage and we cannot rule out foreign bodies.”

Malini Pather

Malini said antibiotics are given a chance to work before they perform further diagnostics.

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JACQUES OPENED ON OF HIS EYES ON FRIDAY

On Friday morning, Jacques opened one of his eyes ever so slightly this morning for the first time since being admitted.

“We are hopeful that Jacques will make it through the weekend and look forward to being able to share images of Jacque with both eyes fully open very soon.”

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A STRANDED TURTLE: