Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre in Scottburgh will host a special Conservation Talk on October 31, 2026, dedicated to the fascinating world of sea turtles. The talk, presented by Natalie Dos Santos, a PhD student at Nelson Mandela University, will explore the research being conducted along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Guests will learn about the ecological role of sea turtles on reefs, including their population numbers, movements, and feeding behavior.
Dos Santos has spent the past eight years working with sea turtles, initially focusing on nesting beaches in iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern Zululand. Her current PhD research focuses on green turtles and hawksbills at the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area on the KZN South Coast. The talk will share background information and highlight the current research on sea turtle movements.
One of the highlights of the talk will be underwater footage showing researchers at work as they catch, tag, and track turtles as part of an acoustic telemetry study. This will give visitors a glimpse into the secret lives of sea turtles beneath the waves. The research aims to learn more about the movements and behavior of these marine animals.
The Conservation Talk is part of Crocworld's ongoing programme, which aims to connect visitors with the biodiversity found along the KZN South Coast and beyond. Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre manager Susan Badat says the talks are intended to make conservation both informative and engaging.
The talk offers a chance for visitors to discover the remarkable journey of sea turtles after they disappear from sight. For anyone who has ever watched a turtle make its way into the ocean and wondered what happens next, this talk provides an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
The sea turtle Conservation Talk will take place on October 31, 2026, at 10 am at the Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre. Bookings are essential and should be made by emailing [email protected] by October 26, 2026. Crocworld also hosts a range of other experiences for visitors, from animal encounters to educational talks.
The conservation talk is a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the important research being done on sea turtles in South Africa. By attending the talk, guests will gain a deeper understanding of these marine animals and the efforts being made to conserve them. The talk is expected to be an engaging and informative experience for all attendees.
Key points
- The talk will focus on the research being conducted on sea turtles along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
- The research explores the ecological role of sea turtles on reefs, including their population numbers, movements, and feeding behavior.
- The talk is part of Crocworld's ongoing Conservation Talk programme, which aims to connect visitors with the biodiversity found along the KZN South Coast and beyond.
