Bella needs a teddy to cuddle
uShaka Sea World is looking for a large brown or black teddy for Bella to snuggle up to at night.
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research recently admitted a young subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) to the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility.
The fur seal was first seen on September 2 in the breakwaters at Southbroom and a few other beaches on the South Coast before finally hauling out at Uvongo recently.
The uShaka Sea World rehabilitation team named her Bella, saying that it was because she was so beautiful. They added that they are unsure whether Bella is a male or female.
According to uShaka Sea World Lead Behaviourist, Hayley Tennant, it is impossible to say with any certainty why the occasional seal hauls out to rest along the KZN coastline, but past records have shown that most seal sightings in KZN occur during winter and early spring.
Tennant said they are looking for a large brown or black teddy for Bella to snuggle up to at night.
She added that although Bella is in relatively good condition for such a young seal so far from home, the decision was made to bring her into the care of uShaka Sea World staff, to give her a chance to rest and put on a bit of weight.
“She is very far from her natural home range in the southern oceans. It took little Bella no more than 24 hours to accept fish from her human caregivers and we are happy to report that she is making the most of this opportunity to rest and gain a bit of weight. She loves her food and is indifferent whether it is offered on land or in the water as long as there is plenty of it. She is currently eating between 12 to 15 small sardines three times a day,” said Tennant, adding that they are working with various seal experts to establish what her ideal release weight should be and are working towards her return to the ocean.
Tennant said: “Thank you to everyone who played a role in ensuring that Bella was protected while she was on the beach and helped gently coax her into the transport crate. It was a wonderful team effort, and we are so grateful to everyone for their seal love and support.”
She added that if you have a teddy that your children have outgrown and were thinking of giving away, they would love to hear from you by sending an email to info@saambr.org.za or a WhatsApp message to 083 941 6243.
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