What would our oceans be without a thriving population of sea turtles paddling through them? Morukuru Goodwill Foundation is pleased to announce that it will continue supporting the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre in Cape Town.

Along with “adopting” one of the centre’s precious rescues – Nori, a green turtle who has required a little extra care to thrive in the wild, Morukuru Goodwill Foundation will also contribute to the costs of building an additional rehabilitation space. This additional space will allow the centre to rehabilitate 126 more sea turtles in response to the dramatic surge in turtles requiring care caused by extreme weather in April this year. Read on for more details about our ongoing collaboration with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, the non-profit and public benefit partner of the Two Oceans Aquarium, and how we intend to help the centre carry out its mission.

Adopting Nori

The Turtle Conservation Centre rescued Nori in May 2023, and she has made significant progress since then. Initially displaying signs of stress and problems with her right eye, Nori’s condition improved allowing her to explore a larger living space with enrichment activities, and she’s now thriving in the I&J Ocean Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium. By adopting Nori, Morukuru Goodwill Foundation will cover her medical care, husbandry, and eventual release. Additionally, the foundation will sponsor a satellite tag to track Nori’s journey after release, contributing to valuable research.

Sponsoring the additional rehabilitation space

Did you know that the Turtle Conservation Centre has contributed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of over 1,000 turtles so far? But a recent surge in rescued turtles, particularly in April 2024 with over 589 loggerhead hatchlings, has strained the Centre’s resources. In addition to the hatchlings, the Centre currently cares for several sub-adult turtles, each with unique rehabilitation needs. In short, they need more space, and they need it now! Morukuru Goodwill Foundation will sponsor some of the costs associated with building an additional rehabilitation space to accommodate 126 more turtles. This includes UV bulbs, heat pumps, pipework and tanks.

Why sea turtles are so important

Morukuru Goodwill Foundation and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre aren’t only passionate about rescuing turtles because they’re adorable (obviously, they are). They’re also vital to the ocean’s ecosystem. These beautiful animals play a role in nutrient cycling and beach health. When they nest on beaches, they deposit eggs that contribute essential nutrients to the sand. The shells and unhatched eggs enrich coastal vegetation, such as beach grasses, which helps stabilise dunes and prevent coastal erosion. Different species of sea turtles also contribute to coral reef ecosystems. For instance, hawksbill turtles feed on sponges that compete with corals for space. By controlling sponge populations, hawksbills help maintain coral biodiversity and overall reef health. Conversely, a decline in hawksbill populations can lead to sponge overgrowth, which can suffocate corals. Green sea turtles (like Nori) are known for their grazing habits, which keep seagrass beds healthy. Their feeding prevents seagrass overgrowth, obstructing light and disrupting marine life. Healthy seagrass beds are essential as they provide a habitat for various aquatic species and are involved in carbon storage.

We continue to celebrate the journey of Bheni, a green turtle we previously sponsored and that since his release in December 2023 has travelled an incredible 12 000kms. Special thanks to all our donors and remember, purchasing a “Coastal Conservation with a Purpose” package gets you closer to the work Morukuru Goodwill Foundation is supporting at the Turtle Conservation Centre. The package includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Centre (where you’ll meet some of the turtle heroes) before or after your stay at Morukuru Family De Hoop. Follow our Morukuru Family De Hoop social media or Morukuru Goodwill Foundation for updates on Bheni and Nori. Keep swimming!