An elephant seal which washed up onto Rocky Bay beach yesterday (Wednesday), saw the mid-South Coast community rally together to keep him safe.

The seal has been named after Rocky Balboa, an Italian-American boxer, who was strong and a winner. (The fact that he was found on Rocky Bay, may have also been the deciding factor to name him ‘Rocky’.)

Rocky, is a southern elephant seal that lives in the southern oceans (Antarctic).

Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) said the seal is about 2000km from home.

She said the team from uShaka Marine World travelled to Rocky Bay this morning (Thursday) where they tagged and vaccinated Rocky against rabies.

“Then, with the help of the community they managed to lure the young seal into a crate and then load it onto a trailer. He was then taken to a secluded area in the Trafalgar Marine Protected Area where officials from KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife can keep an eye on him,” said Kunz.

Kunz said the local community’s support to keep Rocky safe since his arrival at Rocky Bay has been absolutely incredible, and she thanked everyone involved.

Gladiator Security, Park Rynie Crime Watch and Scorpion Security, Mokarran Dive Charters, Clive Smith, Rocky Bay Boat Club and a host of others have to be thanked for being instrumental in his safekeeping, and also guarding him throughout the night.

An advanced life support paramedic, Arvin Naidoo from Pennington also went along to see if he could give Rocky medical attention.

Kunz said the team will keep a close eye on Rocky, in case, he needs to be taken to uShaka Marine World.

“He is strong and robust, so we believe he will be fine on the beach in a secure place,” she said.

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