Finley the loggerhead turtle, who was rescued in Richards Bay just before Christmas, has been released into the wild following her successful rehabilitation.

The good news was published on the South African Association of Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) Facebook page on Friday with a heart-warming video of her making her way back into the ocean.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Loggerhead turtle ‘Finley’ rescued after spotted in distress in Bay

“When Finley arrived at SAAMBR’s Sea Turtle Hospital at uShaka Sea World on 21 December last year, she was weak, underweight and in urgent need of care,” notes SAAMBR in the post.

“This adult female loggerhead turtle had been rescued in the Richards Bay area after she was seen floating for some time, and was kindly brought to our team for treatment.

“Finley’s condition was serious. She was missing part of her right front flipper and her blood count was exceptionally low – lower than any previously recorded in a live turtle by the SAAMBR veterinary team.

“But Finley surprised us all. Despite her poor condition, she started eating not long after admission, especially when squid was on the menu!

“In January, she received a carefully managed blood transfusion from another loggerhead turtle, Orion, and from there she slowly began to turn a corner.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: Loggerhead turtle safely removed from Richards Bay beach

Finley regained more strength each day and was soon moved into a larger rehabilitation pool.

Continuing to eat well, she gained weight, from 41.1kg on arrival to 60.1kg by the time she was ready for release.

“Her final veterinary assessment confirmed the news we had all hoped for: Finley was fit to return to the ocean.

“And she was clearly ready. Once back near the water, she wasted no time ‘finding her flippers’ and swimming off into her true home.”

Video courtesy of On Safari Africa and Rob Kyle.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer