On Saturday 4th September another green turtle was admitted to uShaka Sea World after stranding on a beach at Mtinzini on the lower north coast.
Although she presented with no external injuries, she was under weight and severely dehydrated. We decided to call her Harley Quinn after the fictional character who possesses super self-healing powers.
She is half the size of the other two green turtles recently admitted to the rehabilitation hospital facility. Although it is impossible for us to accurately determine her age, we believe her to be about 4 years old.
Unlike all the other green turtles admitted over the past 6 months who have all been positively buoyant, Harley is neutrally buoyant and is able to fully submerge in her shallow pool. As her bloodwork on arrival showed evidence of an infection, she was put on a course of antibiotics.
“Harley spends most of her day resting but thankfully started eating two days ago and appears more alert each day. Although at this stage her prognosis is guarded, we are doing everything we can to help her recover and remain hopeful she will make it” said Senior Aquarist, Malini Pather
