A Remarkable Journey: The Travels of Bob, Pan, Turbo, and Litchi

The turtle tribe comprising Bob, Pan, Turbo, and Litchi has been making great progress in recent times. These four fascinating turtles have traveled an astounding 23,900 kilometers collectively in a relatively short period. Talitha Noble, the Conservation Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, has provided recent updates on their magnificent voyages.

Bob’s Unwavering Adventure

Bob, the beloved green turtle, has been navigating the open seas for 188 days and has covered an astonishing 9,500 kilometers. Bob has journeyed through or around 28 of South Africa’s 42 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and has been spotted following the surface currents of the Southeast Atlantic Ocean. Her movements showcase her innate understanding of energy conservation and foraging for food. Presently, Bob is found near the Southeast Atlantic Sea Mounts, only about 20 kilometers away.

Pan’s Extensive Expedition

Pan, a juvenile loggerhead turtle rescued in 2019, has been on his oceanic journey for over a year. His tracking tag has provided invaluable insights into the behaviors of juvenile loggerheads. Pan’s journey has taken him to the colder waters of the West Coast, exploring nutrient-rich regions. Recently, Pan has expanded his range, traveling 200 kilometers offshore from the Namibian border. His tracking data accounts for 7,700 kilometers of his expedition.

Turbo’s Tenacious Travels

Turbo, an energetic green turtle, has spent eight months covering an impressive 3,900 kilometers. Like Pan, Turbo is drawn to the frigid waters of the West Coast, abundant in food despite the cooler temperatures. Turbo is currently situated 80 kilometers west of Lamberts Bay, likely feasting on surface treats such as algae, seaweed, and plankton.

Litchi’s Voyage of Discovery

Litchi, a green turtle released in January 2022, has journeyed 2,800 kilometers so far. She initially ventured to De Hoop Marine Protected Area (MPA), where she has resided in the Skipskop area for the past 15 months. In June, Litchi embarked on a new adventure, leaving her sanctuary and traveling up the coast towards Mossel Bay. After a considerable loop 70 kilometers offshore, Litchi returned to the familiar grounds of De Hoop MPA. As of early August, Litchi has once again set her sights on coastal exploration, heading eastward.

The incredible journeys of Bob, Pan, Turbo, and Litchi highlight the resilience and adaptability of marine turtles. Their remarkable travels provide valuable insights into turtle behavior, shedding light on their feeding habits and navigational skills. These awe-inspiring turtles serve as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts, and their stories will undoubtedly captivate enthusiasts for years to come.