The three trustees, an artist, an artisan and a surfing doctor that shares a profound connection and passion for the ocean’s turtles started the Turtle Trust.
The Birth of the TURTLE TRUST
by Tim Neary
In 2022 I shared with my business partner and dear Friend Liezl Kok, my passion for Turtles and the extraordinary experiences I had had filming them.
After I had lent Liezl the book, Between the tides: In search of sea Turtles by George Hughes, she expressed interest in witnessing the magic of Sodwana’s remote KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline, where Dr George Hughes initiated a ground breaking conservation for nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta) and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) over 60 years ago. Today, this project stands as South Africa’s longestrunning and most successful conservation effort to safeguard the coastline’s turtle population.
They say never to rely on children and nature to align with your plans. On the designated night, Liezl, accompanied by her twin daughters Lara and Emma, joined official turtle guide, Peter Jacobs.
Despite warnings that nature’s cooperation was unpredictable, Peter with his keen eyes spotted small tracks in the sand, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Liezl Kok – Turtle Trust
Liezl and the group witnessed the nesting leatherback, one of only 70 females frequenting this shoreline.
The euphoria of observing leatherback and loggerhead hatchlings navigating the challenges to reach the sea, guided by the moonlight, was a breathtaking encounter.
"The three trustees - an artist, an artisan and a surfing doctor - share a profound connection and passion for the oceans."
The journey of turtle hatchlings, however, is fraught with peril. From the moment of conception, they face threats from various predators, including humans seeking eggs for consumption and perceived medicinal properties. Local predators like mongoose and honey badgers also pose a significant threat. Even as they make it to the water, their survival is constantly at risk from gulls, ghost crabs, sharks and other marine predators.
Human activities, particularly ocean pollution, add another layer of danger. Plastic bags mistaken for jellyfish and consumed by turtles result in fatal blockages. Additionally, microplastics and small debris in the water resemble their natural food, leading to weakened and exhausted turtles washing up on shorelines.
Faced with the harsh reality of these challenges, one has several choices – merely expressing sorrow, doing nothing or actively engaging in constructive efforts. Liezl, known for her wholehearted commitment, initiated the creation of the Turtle Trust in June 2023. This registered trust aims to support existing conservation initiatives, particularly the KwaZulu-Natal Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme.
The Turtle Trust has already made a significant impact, collaborating with sponsors like Sappi to enhance the lives of Turtle Monitors and partnering with Motus Isuzu to provide essential equipment and a new vehicle for the programme’s marine ecologist.
Despite sounding idealistic, the Turtle Trust’s involvement is rooted in practical efforts, recognising the tireless work of Turtle Monitors and the commitment of individuals like Santosh Bachoo, who, as the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Regional Marine Ecologist, leads the Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme as well as the Marine Stranding Initiative.
The Trust is proud to be part of a mission focused on rescue, rehabilitation and the eventual release of marine creatures back into their natural habitat.
Turtle Trust
For more information on the Turtle Trust and supported initiatives, please contact the trust at info@turtletrust.org.za.
