YOSHI'S JOURNEY

Two years ago she was released into Cape waters after nearly two decades in an aquarium – and since then she’s been tracked as far afield as Australia

- JOANIE BERGH

WHAT weighs 183kg, swims an average of 48km a day and has stolen the hearts of thousands of people?

One amazing whopper of a turtle, that’s what.

Ever since arriving in the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town 20 years ago, Yoshi the loggerhead turtle has been making waves – and now that she’s been released into the wild, she’s become one of the most monitored animals in recent marine history.

Experts from Cape Town to Sydney are keeping track of Yoshi’s movements as she paddles her way across vast swathes of ocean, dodging giant tankers and giving predators the slip as she goes in search of her happy breeding ground.

And no one could be prouder of their “baby” than the people who run the aquarium at the Mother City’s V&A Waterfront.

“Yoshi’s story is one of hope, perseverance, survival, inspiration and love,” says Maryke Musson, who heads the Two Oceans Aquarium’s educational foundation.

Thanks to modern technology, it’s also one many people can follow. A satellite transmitter fitted to her back has enabled scientists to record how, since being released into the ocean near Hout Bay, Yoshi first swam up the coast of Namibia and Angola before turning back and swimming around Cape Point.

She then crossed the ocean towards the coast of Australia – the first time a loggerhead turtle with a tracker has crossed between the continents. In all, she’s covered a staggering 37 000km since her release in December 2017.

“We have no idea where she’s headed,” Maryke says. “We also had no idea where she came from when she was brought to us more than 20 years ago. It’s a mystery.”