Morukuru Goodwill Foundation Deepens Longstanding Support for Sea Turtle Conservation with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, a dedicated supporter of marine and wildlife conservation in South Africa, has renewed and expanded its commitment to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre in Cape Town through a three-year funding initiative focused on sea turtle rehabilitation. This next chapter in the long-standing relationship will support the Turtle Conservation Centre in its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and ultimately release endangered sea turtles into the wild.
The commitment includes the full adoption and care of three turtles currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Turtle Conservation Centre: Nori, Kai, and Habanero. These turtles – each with their own extraordinary story – will be released into the protected waters of De Hoop Nature Reserve, home to Morukuru Family De Hoop, once their recovery is complete.
“Our relationship with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is built on shared purpose: conservation, education, and a passion and respect for the natural world,” says Anka Zeeman, co-founder of the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation. “We’re proud to continue this work together and help return these remarkable turtles to the ocean.”
Among the turtles currently under the Turtle Conservation Centre’s care is Habanero, a fully mature male loggerhead rescued near Witsand in February 2025. Found weak and covered in parasites, Habanero was diagnosed with septic arthritis and underwent complex surgery to support his rehabilitation journey. As an adult male, critical for long-term species resilience, his survival is a powerful contribution to global turtle conservation efforts.
Nori, a green turtle known for her grace and quiet strength, has been in rehabilitation since 2024 and was adopted by the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation in September last year. Her calm demeanour and steady progress suggest she is nearing readiness for release.
Kai, a charismatic five-year-old loggerhead turtle, rounds out the trio. Rescued as a hatchling weighing just 530g in November 2020, Kai faced early challenges due to a lung infection and unevenly sized lungs, which affected his buoyancy and muscle development. Thanks to years of dedicated care at the Turtle Conservation Centre, including pulmonary physiotherapy, custom shell weights, and an innovative buoyancy device, Kai has made remarkable progress. Now weighing over 57kg and thriving in the I&J Ocean Exhibit, he continues to receive enrichment and physiotherapy as he prepares for his eventual return to the wild.
With the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation’s support, the Turtle Conservation Centre will also expand its rehabilitation capacity and satellite-tag the turtles before release, enabling post-release tracking and contributing vital data to global conservation science.
“Morukuru has shown commitment to turtle conservation for several years now. Initially through the support of turtle rescue along its DeHoop coastline, Morukuru’s support has expanded to include rehabilitation and release. We are grateful for the long-term commitment that Morukuru is making towards turtle conservation,” says Talitha Noble-Trull, Turtle Conservation Centre Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
This renewed commitment reflects Morukuru Goodwill Foundation’s dedication to conservation and community upliftment in South Africa. Founded in 2007 by Ed and Anka Zeeman, the Foundation is the philanthropic heart of Morukuru Family, whose eco-luxury properties in Madikwe Game Reserve and De Hoop Nature Reserve are designed to protect and celebrate Africa’s natural heritage.
“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,” Zeeman concluded.
For more information, contact Marketing Manager, Rinse Wassenaar: [email protected]
