SEALS are usually just resting when they come ashore, most commonly between May and September. However, in some cases, they do require medical intervention.

If you find a seal on the beach, the KZN Marine Stranding Network advises people to follow these four steps in order to assist them:

Step 1: Call authorities

• Notify the relevant authority immediately. (They are listed at the end, under the related species.)
• Each stranding incident is unique. You will be guided as to the next step based on the information available.
• The speed and correct response to a stranding are often the most crucial factors determining the success or failure of the rescue.

Step 2: Approach cautiously

• A sudden approach may startle any animal that is still alive, causing stress to the animal and risk to you.
• Remember that these animals are not only wild but also under stress. As a result, they may act aggressively.
• Stress is the number one killer of stranded animals.

Step 3: Gather information

• Take a photo of the animal, preferably with a cellphone, and send it to the relevant authority. This helps with quick identification and decision-making.
• State the condition of the animal: alive, dead or injured.
• Provide the exact location and directions to the stranding.
• Provide the name and number of the contact person at the stranding site.
• Provide the date and time of your observation.

Step 4: Stay with the animal

• The relevant authority will stay in communication with the person at the stranding site.
• Specific guidance will be provided to you from the relevant authority until they arrive.
• It is important to keep members of the public and pets at bay, to prevent further stress to the animal.
• Put someone in charge of crowd control.

The KZN Marine Stranding Network is made up of three organisations: uShaka Sea World deals with all marine animals (dolphins, whales, seals, turtles, penguins, etc) and can be contacted on 031 328 822 or 031 328 8060; KZN Sharks Board deals with whales and dolphins, entanglements and whale sharks, and can be contacted on 031 566 0400, and CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife) deals with sea birds (excluding penguins) from Umkomaas northwards and can be contacted on 031 462 1127, 031 469 0583 or 083 212 5281.

Interesting facts about fur seals:

• Their bodies are covered with a layer of fur which entraps air and helps to keep the body warm in cold water. When feeling the heat, seals raise a flipper into the air. The wind cools blood flowing in the blood vessels close to the skin, after which it is circulated to the whole body – thus lowering the body temperature. When cold, seals fold their flippers underneath their bodies to retain heat.
• When swimming, their bodies assume a torpedo shape which allows them to move swiftly through the water at speeds of up to 28km per hour.
• Whiskers on either side of the face grow up to 45cm in length. These strong, flexible bristles pick up vibrations in the water from up to 2m away.
• They have voracious appetites and eat between 6 and 10% of their body weight every day. This would be the same as an adult human consuming 30 hamburgers every day.

Content sourced from: KZN Marine Stranding Network and South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr)

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