Rescued seal treated at uShaka Sea World rehabilitation centre
If you find a stranded marine animal on the beach, call uShaka Sea World.
An exhausted seal washed up on Reunion Beach in Isipingo on Tuesday, 15 August.
Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge said despite numerous attempts by lifesavers, the seal refused to return to the open water.
“Except for what appeared to be a blind left eye, there were no other visible marks or injuries on the seal,” said Cllr Beetge.
Residents kept the seal wet while the SA Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) based at uShaka Sea World was alerted.
“Public member Natasha Govender supplied us with images, allowing us to quickly identify it as a sub-Antarctic fur seal,” said Colette Bodenstaff of SAAMBR.
“Good photo identification is a very important step in first response to stranded animals as it allows us an initial assessment of the animal’s state of health.
Photos, along with observations of the animal’s behaviour and history of the stranding, gives us more clarity on each situation.
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From the photos supplied, we observed that the seal had a problematic left eye and was dehydrated and extremely thin.”
Teams from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and uShaka Sea World immediately collected the seal, which was soon admitted into the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation centre. The seal is currently very weak, but is receiving the best possible care.
“Thank you to Natasha Govender, Amanzimtoti law enforcement and the Reunion Beach lifeguards for their participation in caring for this seal,” said Bodenstaff.
If you find a stranded marine animal on the beach, call uShaka Sea World on 031-328-8222 or 031-328-8060 (after hours).
