Caroline Hanks is undertaking a challenging 192-kilometer marathon to raise funds for the rehabilitation of a rare olive ridley turtle named Sage. This challenge is part of her larger goal to climb 8849 meters in support of the Noordhoeked project in 2025.
Details of the rescue and fundraising goals
Hanks is organizing a fundraiser to cover the costs of restoring Sage, who was rescued from ghost netting. The turtle was found last December at De Hoop Nature Reserve caught in a 30 kg net. Sage is currently at the Turtle Conservation Centre.
Hanks plans to run a 64 km route between the Cape Point reserve gates and the Green Point Rugby Club over two days, totaling 192 km, equivalent to three PUFfeR runs. The fundraising target is 80,000 Rands to help Sage.
Importance of funding and awareness
The funds Hanks hopes to raise through her BackaBuddy PUFF3R campaign will go towards covering a significant portion of Sage's treatment, including nutrition, veterinary care, life support systems, and enrichment activities that prepare the turtle for life in the wild. Additionally, the goal includes paying for an acoustic tracking chip, which will allow scientists to monitor Sage's movements after release and collect valuable data for research.
Hanks emphasized that the target amount is based on Sage's rehabilitation needs, not the distance covered. She noted that even raising funds just for the acoustic chip would be valuable to the process of the turtle's recovery and release.
Threats to marine fauna
The campaign is also aimed at raising awareness about the impact of discarded fishing gear, known as ghost nets, on marine life. Olive ridley turtles are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. They face growing threats such as entanglement in fishing gear, plastic pollution, habitat loss, and poaching, and are rare visitors to South African waters.
Hanks admitted that there are difficult moments during long runs, but having the fundraising element helps her maintain focus. She believes that Sage's story draws attention to one of the most serious threats facing marine wildlife.