A sea turtle that's rarely found in Cape waters has been rescued by the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team in Mossel Bay.
The Hawksbill sea turtle, which is known for its colourful shell, was found on Wednesday with a neck wound and was taken to the Hartenbos Animal Hospital for treatment.
The turtle is a critically endangered species and is generally found in tropical waters around the world.
Tersia Marais from the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team says they suspect that the turtle got caught up in a boat propeller.
Cape Town Two Oceans Aquarium spokesperson, Helen Lockhart, said they would be traveling to Mossel Bay to collect the turtle.
She said the turtle most probably drifted on the currents towards the Mossel Bay area, adding that it was probably already weak and injured at the time.
Lockhart said they would give the turtle a home for the next 6 to 18 months, depending on its injuries.
She said before releasing the turtle into warmer waters they would first equip it with a satellite tracking device.
The Hawksbill population has declined more than 80% in the last century, mainly due to trade in its shell.
(Photo credit: Hartenbos Animal Hospital)
