IT is normal for seals to go periods without eating however, this seal’s behaviour showed that it was not benefitting from its rest, so uShaka Sea World intervened on Wednesday, June 1.

“They would like our veterinarian to examine him as they feel his condition is not improving with rest. I imagine that on arrival the animal health team will access him and then administer fluids and if necessary food, before releasing him” said uShaka Sea World spokesperson, Ann Kunz.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Seal found on Winkle Beach

According to uShaka Sea World, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) Sub-Antarctic fur seals, South African fur seals and Southern elephant seals periodically wash up on KwaZulu-Natal beaches, sometimes thousands of kilometres from their home range.

“This is common during the winter months and we think it is connected to the upcoming sardine run. The seal would have been exhausted after a 1 700km swim from the Prince Edward Islands, which are two small islands in the Sub Antarctic Indian Ocean that are part of South Africa,” said Kunz.

When the seal first arrived on Saturday, May 28, it appeared to be exhausted and in need of some rest. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCAs) inspectors, Amanzimtoti SPCA and Winkle life guards worked to create a temporary barricade around the seal so that he could rest safely.

ALSO READ: Seal found on Winkle Beach

A veterinarian from uShaka Marine World and local authorities were also contacted and were on site. The adult male seal was not injured, however it did have an old injured to its right eye which had healed well.

During the night, there was a shift roster with dedicated volunteers to watch over the seal. “We are pleased to report that the seal was doing really well this morning, May 30, and it was decided to relocate it to a safer and quieter area.

Thank you to Warner Beach South Neighbourhood Watch Group (NHWG), Toti Berea NHWG, councillor André Beetge, CCPO and Blue Security for looking after the seal and making sure no harm came to him,” said Amanzimtoti SPCA manager, Tracey Girling.

Kunz advice to those who see seals on the beach is to leave them to rest, unless they appear to be harmed or in distress, adding that, “Seals are just visitors to our beaches and aren’t accustomed to humans, therefore people should keep a distance from them, as they can bite.”

To report stranded sea animals call uShaka Sea World on 031 328 8222 or 031 328 8060.

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