Rescue gets ‘seal’ of approval
The injured animal was rescued, thanks to a wonderful team effort.
A SEAL rescued from Banana Beach last Saturday, is very sick and very far from home.
Ann Kunz, spokeswoman for uShaka Sea World, said the adult male southern Antarctic fur seal is ‘not looking too good’, due to an infection from a wound on his body and from a sore eye.
She confirmed that the large seal, which has been named Gru by uShaka staff, although well nourished, is suffering from an infection.
“It’s unusual for an adult seal to beach on a KZN beach and therefore when they do we need to investigate whether the seal needs medical attention or some peace and quiet in order to rest,” she said.
She said due to Gru’s wounds it was decided he would need to be brought into the rehabilitation centre for treatment. She added that it might take months to rehabilitate him.
Ann said that on arrival staff rehydrated Gru, and had been treating his infection with broad-based antibiotics.
“Staff are trying to keep him calm, as he is not used to his new and unfamiliar surroundings,” she said. For pics of the rescue, click here
On a happier note, Minion, a young male sub-Antarctic fur seal rescued by KZN Wildlife staff on a Port Edward beach last year, will be released soon.
Minion was a long way from his Marion Island home, nearly 2000km south-east of Cape Town.
The little seal was underweight and had sustained injuries to his flipper and lower back, possibly as a result of a shark attack.
On Tuesday this week, Minion was taken to Port Elizabeth’s Bayworld, a museum complex and oceanarium, where a tracker will be fitted, and, if all goes well, he will be released soon.
Another seal, Selso, found stranded on a South Coast beach last year, was released in January with a tracker and is still being monitored by uShaka staff.
