The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation has deepened its long-standing support for marine conservation by renewing and expanding its partnership with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre. Over the next three years, this commitment will fund the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles into the De Hoop Marine Protected Area.
Three turtles—Habanero, Nori, and Kai—are currently undergoing rehabilitation thanks to this support. Each represents a story of resilience, and each release will be a moment of hope for the species’ survival.
Science and Innovation Driving Conservation
This initiative is about far more than rehabilitation. The Turtle Conservation Centre uses advanced veterinary care, physiotherapy, custom shell weights, and even buoyancy devices to give turtles a second chance. With Morukuru’s support, the Centre will also expand its capacity and satellite-tag turtles before release.
This tracking data will feed into global conservation science, offering insights into turtle migration patterns and survival rates—opportunities for South African research to contribute to worldwide efforts.
Opportunities for Tourism and Awareness
The turtles’ release into De Hoop Marine Protected Area also creates new opportunities for eco-tourism. Visitors to De Hoop—home of Morukuru Family lodges—may witness firsthand the extraordinary moment when a rehabilitated turtle returns to the ocean. These experiences are not only inspiring but also raise awareness about marine conservation, encouraging visitors to support and share in the work.
The Western Cape, already renowned for its biodiversity, gains another layer of attraction as a destination where conservation meets travel.
Community and Education at the Heart
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation also runs extensive education programmes, reaching schools and communities with lessons about marine ecosystems, sustainability, and the importance of protecting endangered species. Every turtle rescued and every story told is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of ocean guardians.
As Talitha Noble-Trull, Turtle Conservation Centre Manager, explains: “Morukuru’s long-term commitment means we can not only save turtles but also empower people with the knowledge that conservation works.”
A Legacy of Care
For Morukuru Goodwill Foundation co-founder Anka Zeeman, the partnership reflects a simple truth: “Our commitment revolves around restoring ecosystems and sharing knowledge. The end goal is to create and nurture a legacy of care for our oceans and for future generations.”
By funding rehabilitation, advancing science, inspiring communities, and drawing eco-tourists, this initiative shows how conservation creates opportunity—not only for turtles, but for people, research, and the Western Cape itself.
