Rescued Turtle Finley Defies Death at uShaka Sea World

When beachgoers spotted an adult loggerhead turtle floating motionless near Richards Bay in December, they knew something was terribly wrong. Their call to the Arboretum Veterinary Clinic on December 20 sparked a rescue mission that would save a life hanging by a thread.

The turtle, later named Finley by her rescuers, was covered in barnacles when the clinic team pulled her from the water. That wasn't a good sign. The heavy barnacle growth meant she hadn't been moving much and could barely swim.

Dr. François Lampen at uShaka Marine World confirmed Finley was an older female weighing just 41kg. Her condition was even worse than it looked. "That is how close she was," the Arboretum Veterinary Clinic said, emphasizing she would have died if help arrived just one day later.

Blood tests revealed something shocking. Finley's red blood cell levels were the lowest the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) veterinary teams had ever recorded in a living turtle. She needed a blood transfusion, and fast.

SAAMBR's Animal Health staff took over her care immediately after she arrived at uShaka Sea World. Despite her critical state, Finley surprised everyone by eating soon after admission. Turtles in such poor health rarely have an appetite, but Finley had one condition: squid had to be on the menu.

The Bright Side

Since receiving the blood transfusion, Finley has steadily gained weight and grown stronger. She now moves confidently around her rehabilitation pool, a sight that fills her care team with hope. Each passing day brings her closer to the ocean she came from.

Lead aquarist Malini Pather acknowledges the road ahead remains uncertain. Sea turtle recovery is unpredictable and requires constant monitoring for weeks or months. But Finley's progress so far proves that quick reporting and expert care can turn a dying animal into a recovery success story.

The rescue team hopes Finley will eventually return safely to the ocean, a testament to what's possible when communities watch out for wildlife in distress.