DJ the loggerhead turtle's inspiring journey across a thousand kilometres of ocean

DJ, the loggerhead sea turtle, has captivated imaginations with her incredible oceanic odyssey. Despite her satellite signals going quiet, DJ’s journey is still echoing through the waves, offering an inspiring tale of resilience and exploration.

DJ (Davey Jones) completed a 14-year journey of recovery from several health challenges.

Before her release in December 2025, she was fitted with a satellite tracking tag, sponsored by On Safari Africa, and an acoustic tag provided by the Oceanographic Research Institute.

The devices were to allow the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) to follow her movements and gain valuable insights into her behaviour post-release as part of a local and global sea turtle tracking database. 

However, Saambr spokesperson Ann Kunz shared that DJ’s signals have gone quiet, but her ocean adventure is clearly still in full swing.

Kunz said DJ’s tag most likely failed naturally, but the story it told was everything the team hoped for. 

“After her release, DJ spent weeks exploring the iSimangaliso coastline, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and southern Mozambique, travelling all the way to Inhaca Island and Maputo Bay, then slowly wandering back south along the coast,” Kunz said. 

“Using her most accurate locations, DJ is estimated to have travelled close to 1,000km, averaging around 24km per day. That’s an incredible effort for a sea turtle who spent 14 years in rehabilitation, and a beautiful sign that she’s strong and loving life in the wild,” Kunz said. 

She thanked On Safari Africa for sponsoring DJ’s ocean safari.

“At just 14 years old, DJ isn’t ready to nest yet; this is her ‘explore the ocean’ era. Learning currents, finding food, cruising warm coastal waters, and being exactly what she was born to be. 

“Go well, DJ. May the currents be kind, the waters warm, and your journey full of wonder.” 

Found stranded on Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town on April 8, 2011, DJ was subsequently taken to the Two Oceans Aquarium, marking the start of her journey.

After she was stabilised and received initial care in Cape Town, DJ was transferred to uShaka Sea World to continue her long-term rehabilitation journey. 

Despite positive treatment and growth, she faced numerous health challenges, including recurring fungal infections, early (curable) arthritis, and a persistent dermal infection with several relapses, prolonging her stay at uShaka Sea World.

Nevertheless, she earned a special place in the hearts of the dedicated Turtle Rehabilitation and Veterinary Teams, who cared for her with immense love.

DJ’s consistently excellent health over the past two years, along with comprehensive veterinary and behavioural evaluations, led to her official clearance for release.

This achievement is a clear demonstration of her own resilience and grit, and the unwavering dedication of the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation programme.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za