WATCH: Jello the seal leaves South Coast shores and heads to new home in PE
When the day arrived, Jello was gently herded into his transport crate in Ramsgate by the uShaka Sea World team.
IT was an emotional and teary ‘goodbye’ last Thursday to the delightful bright-eyed southern elephant seal which had made the South Coast his home for two weeks.
Jello’s long journey ended on a happy note thanks to Sharlene van der Slikke, chairman of the Southbroom Conservancy, together with a wonderful group of volunteers from the conservancy and Ramsgate community and the security guards from Maser and Wolf.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : Trapped shark ‘nursed’ back to safety by NSRI Shelly Beach
It was these ‘guardian angels’ who took shifts to guard a healthy Jello for 24 hours during his time on beaches at Southbroom, Marina Beach and Ramsgate. Jello, in return, loved the hospitality and occasionally entertained onlookers to a little display.
Jello’s arrival at the South Coast caused much excitement as it was the first time an elephant seal had ever spent as long as 16 days on our shores.
Two week after Jello’s arrival a joint operation was undertaken to relocate him to a secluded, protected beach in Port Elizabeth.
Ann Kunz of uShaka Marine World said the decision was made in the best interests of Jello as he would be closer to the current leading to the Southern Ocean. “He would have better access to feeding grounds and would be able to rest without supervision on desolate, yet protected beaches.”
When the day arrived, Jello was gently herded into his transport crate in Ramsgate by the uShaka Sea World team. Ms Kunz said care was taken to keep him cool and comfortable for the long journey.
“The team arrived in Port Elizabeth on Thursday evening. The last leg of the journey took place on Friday morning, being driven to a desolate beach where Jello could rest without disturbance,” she said.
Before the crate was opened, his hind flippers were tagged for future identification purposes.
Ms Kunz said that eventually it was time for the crate to be opened. Jello slowly headed to the water. He enjoyed cooling off for about an hour, then returned to the beach to rest.
Sharlene, who attended a stranded marine animal workshop hosted at uShaka Sea World earlier this year and coordinated Jello’s caretakers, said it was the greatest learning curve she’d ever been on and a great privilege to watch a seal (which she’d only seen on TV) living in a free environment.
She added that this unique situation highlighted the importance of the public knowing who to phone and what to do if they found a marine animal washed up onto the shore. “We have to preserve and protect our nature.”
If you find a stranded animal on the beach, contact the KwaZulu-Natal Stranding Network by telephoning the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s 24-hour hotline at 083 3806298, or uShaka Sea World at 031 3288222 during office hours or at 031 3288060 after hours and over weekends and public holidays.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
