With his big, black eyes and gentle nature, Rocky the seal has been stealing hearts and making headlines in KZN ever since he showed up in the mid-South Coast on October 9.
The young southern elephant seal is believed to have washed up on Rocky Bay beach last Wednesday, and a number of locals united to monitor him and ensure that their special little guest was safe while resting.
Rocky is believed to be about 2 000km from home, according to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr).
He was guarded at Rocky Bay throughout the evening on his first night at the beach, and the following morning, a team from uShaka Marine World came to assist.
Rocky was then tagged and vaccinated against rabies. Locals assisted the team with Rocky’s removal off the beach, into a crate and then onto a trailer.
He was taken to Trafalgar Marine Protected Area, where it was much quieter, and it was here that the team decided to name him Rocky after the beach he was found at, and after action hero Rocky Balboa, of course.
“We had hoped that Rocky would rest undisturbed in the MPA before starting the journey back home. He did go back to the ocean but reappeared on Glenmore Beach, and the decision was made to bring him into our rehabilitation centre for a health assessment,” said Ann Kunz from Saambr.
Resident veterinarian Dr Caryl Knox gave him a general body assessment before taking bloods and recording his weight.
His general body condition is good, and his weight is close to what an elephant seal of his age be.
“Rocky has crept into the heart of everyone who has been fortunate enough to have seen him, with his huge dark eyes and easy manner,” added Kunz.
“We are overwhelmed at how everyone came together to do what they could to ensure Rocky was safe. This included South Coast residents, visitors, security guards who stood watch over him during the night, local business, KZN Wildlife Stranding Network members and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff.”
Rocky’s release date has not yet been set as blood results are still awaited, and there is a possibility that he could be starting his annual moult.
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