uShaka Sea World continues to make strides in rescuing sea animals

THE uShaka Sea World turtle rehabilitation team recently admitted the largest green turtle they have ever taken care of, and a young subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) was admitted to the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility.

Storm the turtle

Weighing a massive 163kg and measuring 111cm in length, the green turtle, whom the staff have named Storm, is the oldest turtle they have treated.

With the support of members of the KZN Stranding Network, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff transported her from the beach at Mtunzini, where she had been stranded, to the Sea Turtle Hospital at uShaka Sea World.

According to a statement released by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), on admission, Storm was found to be positively buoyant, noticeably bloated and carrying a high load of external parasites. “Fluids were administered to assist her with rehydration, and she was placed in an observation pool and left to rest overnight. Although her activity levels have increased slightly in the past two days, she tires easily and is currently being treated as an ICU patient,” said SAAMBR in their statement.

“Caring for such a large animal presents various challenges, and our veterinary and rehab team have done exceptionally well in getting Storm through the last few days. Prognosis is guarded, but we are doing everything we can to help her,” said SAAMBR lead aquarist Malini Pather.

Also read: WATCH: Marsh owl recovers at wildlife centre ICU enclosure

Bella the seal

Over the weekend, uShaka Sea World staff also admitted a young subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) to the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility.

According to a statement released by SAAMBR, the seal was named Bella because she was so beautiful. “At this stage, we are uncertain whether she is male or female. She was first seen on September 2 in the breakwaters at Southbroom and a few other beaches on the lower south coast before finally hauling out at Uvongo on Sunday, September 3.  Although she 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.”

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/early spring.

Also read: WATCH: Duiker treated and released into the wild

“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 to whether it is offered on land or in the water, as long as there is plenty of it. She is currently eating between 12 – 15 small sardines three times a day. We are working with various seal experts to establish what her ideal release weight should be, and we are working towards her return to the ocean. In the meantime, we are looking for a large brown or black teddy for her to snuggle up to at night. If you have a teddy that your children have outgrown and were thinking of giving away, we would love to hear from you on info@saambr.org.za or alternately via WhatsApp on 0839416243,” said SAAMBR in their statement.

“Thank you to everyone who played a role in ensuring that Bella was protected while she was on the beach and who 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,” said Tennant.

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