After 14 years of rehab, loggerhead sea turtle DJ returns to the ocean
After 14 years of rehabilitation, Davey Jones (DJ) rushes into the ocean, ready to embrace her new life.
Image: Saambr
Following an astonishing 14-year recovery journey marked by resilience and dedication, Davey Jones (DJ), a loggerhead sea turtle, has made a heartwarming and triumphant return to the ocean.
The moment marked not only the end of her rehabilitation but also a celebration of the relentless efforts by the teams at uShaka Sea World, who have tirelessly supported her through several health challenges.
South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) spokesperson Ann Kunz said that after 14 years of dedicated care, DJ, one of uShaka Sea World’s most memorable long-term rehabilitation patients, returned to the ocean on Monday.
DJ’s journey began on April 8, 2011, when she was found stranded on Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town and taken to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
DJ’s caregivers, uShaka Sea World Turtle Rehab specialists Sanele Ndaba and Malini Pather, share a bittersweet moment as they bid farewell to the turtle who captured their hearts.
Image: Saambr
Like DJ, many loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings wash up along the Western Cape coastline every year, barely weighing 25 grams.
“After stabilisation and initial care in Cape Town, Davey Jones or DJ, as she was affectionately named, was transferred to uShaka Sea World to continue her long-term rehabilitation journey,” Kunz said.
“Over the years, DJ faced numerous health challenges. She battled recurring fungal infections, early arthritis (which is curable), and a stubborn dermal infection, with several relapses that extended her stay under our care. Despite these setbacks, she continued to grow, and she responded well to treatment. She earned a special place in the hearts of the Turtle Rehabilitation and Veterinary Teams, who worked tirelessly with an abundance of love and dedication to support her recovery.”
Kunz highlighted that DJ is now a strong, thriving adult sea turtle. This impressive creature weighs 108.4kg and has a carapace length of 94cm.
“For the past two years, her health has been consistently excellent. Following comprehensive veterinary assessments and behavioural evaluations, DJ was officially cleared for release, a testament to her resilience and grit, and especially the dedication of the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation programme,” Kunz said.
One of DJ’s primary caregivers over the years, Sanele Ndaba, reflecting on the turtle's journey, said: “DJ has always been an incredibly smart and aware animal. Her intelligence made managing her many health complications so much easier, and it also meant she kept us on our toes. She loved her snacks and never missed a chance to sneak food from the other turtles - a mischievous streak we’ll all remember fondly.”
uShaka Sea World Turtle Rehab specialist watches on as Davey Jones (DJ) returns to the sea.
Image: Saambr
Before her release, DJ was fitted with a satellite tracking tag, generously sponsored by On Safari Africa, and an acoustic tag provided by the Oceanographic Research Institute.
“These devices will allow us to follow her movements and gain valuable insights into her behaviour post-release as part of a local and global sea turtle tracking database,” Kunz added.
“DJ wasted no time on the beach, and it was absolutely heartwarming watching this strong sea turtle rush into the ocean and swim off behind the breakers. We are so excited to follow her during this next chapter of her life. Go well, DJ. Your journey continues.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za