Bob released into the wild after 8 year recovery at Two Oceans Aquarium Posted on 27 January 2023 Bob has been a resident of the Two Oceans Aquarium I&J Ocean Exhibit since 2014 after it suffered from severe bruising and a possible fracture of its bottom shell. Bob was seriously underweight when it was rescued from De Hoop Nature Reserve, weighing just 16.6 kg, contrasting strongly with the 85kg it weighs today. It didn’t take long for Bob to become somewhat of a “Shellebrity” in the ocean exhibit, but after 8 years of improved health, it was time to return to the open waters. On 24 January, Bob was carefully removed from the exhibit and carefully transported to the airport in its custom-made travel gear, where he was sent to uShaka Marine World for a few days where the team could observe the turtle’s behaviour before releasing it into the wild. On 26 January, Bob underwent an entire neurological exam, which revealed a much improved and healthier turtle than the one that was rescued eight years earlier. When Bob came into Two Oceans care, his fractured shell had an infection, which spread to his blood and ultimately his brain, causing encephalitis and inflammation. This resulted in brain damage and Bob’s vision was severely compromised. But, in January 2015, the team discovered single-use plastics and balloons in Bob’s faeces, resulting in bowel obstructions. Initially, veterinary experts were of the opinion that Bob would never be able to survive in the wild again, but this changed thanks to the diligent care of the aquarium staff and an intensive enrichment programme designed to stimulate Bob’s mental activity to return it to the wild. Bob in the ocean exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium Finally, on 27 January, Bob was released into the wild, where he was also fitted with a GPS tag to track his movements in the wild and contribute to research. So long Bob. Bob taking its final steps into the wild. Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured. TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter ALSO READ: Ramaphosa approves MOU with India to send 12 South African cheetahs Pictures: Two Oceans Aquarium Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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