Tinley Manor’s rare turtle visit

While hosting a wake near Tinley Manor Beach for his late father, Rusty Lavery, a Salt Rock resident spotted a rare sea creature in the sand.

Robin Lavery said he thought a dead turtle had washed up on the beach, but at closer look, it was very much alive.

“When I approached it, I saw the turtle was a mature female intent on making a nest and laying her eggs,” said Lavery.

Ezemvelo Officer, Lionel van Schoor said it is uncommon to see a loggerhead turtle on the Dolphin Coast.

“She obviously was desperate to lay her eggs, as she came out of the water during daylight, while people were on the beach, which is very unusual for them,” said Van Schoor.

He said a female turtle lays about 600 eggs a season, which is necessary because of their slim survival chances.

“After about 60 days, depending on the temperature, the eggs hatch. Out of 1000 eggs, only about two turtles will survive and grow to adulthood,” he said.

Van Schoor said the last time the Dolphin Coast had a turtle nursery was about seven years ago.

“We had a nest at Salt Rock once, which we had to rebury. You have to be extremely careful when doing this, as it is crucial that the orientation of the eggs remain the same.”

He said about 50% of the eggs hatched, which was incredible given the circumstances.

“It is crucial for this new nest to remain undisturbed. The eggs must be left in peace in order for the babies to have a chance of hatching and surviving.”

Next time you visit the beaches near Tinley Manor, tread carefully so that you do not disturb the turtle nursery.