As summer approaches, the risk of encountering snakes increases, making it an ideal time to learn more about these fascinating reptiles at SAAMBR’s Snake Awareness Mini-Exhibition.

Durban, South Africa (21 October 2024) – Covered in scales with hair-raising patterns and colours, snakes are often misunderstood and feared creatures.

Seeking to reveal the beauty and marvels of these sneaky serpents this summer (read snake season), is the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR). A team of experts will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the world of these reptiles.

Whether you’re a snake enthusiast or looking to conquer fear, the SAAMBR will be hosting a free Snake Awareness Mini-Exhibition outside Dangerous Creatures in the uShaka Village Walk from Friday, 25th to Sunday, 27th October, between 9 am and 4 pm.

Contrary to the wide-held fear, snakes are flight animals, which means their first response when encountering humans is to flee from danger and not to stay and defend themselves. While there are 130 different species of snakes in South Africa, less than 10% of them are venomous.

“The event will focus on indigenous snakes encountered throughout South Africa, highlighting the important role snakes play in our lives.

“By being able to identify some of the more commonly encountered snakes, you will hopefully feel more confident when you come across a snake in your garden or whilst walking on a nature trail,” SAAMBR explained.

As summer approaches, snakes become more active, and you are more likely to see snakes in summer than in the colder winter months.

So, this may just be the ideal time to familiarise yourself with these creatures from the experts who know and understand them best.

For more information email info@seaworld.org.za or call 031 328 8222.

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research 

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Now, it is not every day you get to stumble upon a majestic Southern Elephant Seal in KZN! Local beachgoers were thrilled to encounter this gentle giant, who seemed to be enjoying some R&R under the sun.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (14 October 2024) – A rare and unexpected visitor – a juvenile yet very robust Southern Elephant Seal swam ashore at Rocky Bay Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast last Thursday, much to the delight and adoration of many local beachgoers.

The uShaka Sea World team, led by Senior Aquarist Rob Kyle, Assistant Curator Bilal Limbada, and Veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen, wasted no time rushing to the beach to assist the stranded seal. His strength and location earned him the adorable name “Rocky”.

According to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), these seals are not normally found along the KZN coastline, which is about 2,000km from their home.

“Usually, when seals strand on KZN beaches with obvious injuries, they are brought into our rehabilitation facility for treatment, and then released.

“When Rocky was examined on the beach by Dr Lampen, he appeared to be healthy and had possibly hauled out onto the beach to rest after his long swim,” SAAMBR said.

After a thorough assessment, Rocky was given the green light to be released to a quieter beach to continue resting without interruption.

He was also fitted with a flipper tag, which, if seen in the future, will allow the team to monitor his movements and correctly identify him in both the short and long term.

While irresistibly adorable to any animal lover, the SAAMBR emphasised the importance of being mindful that juvenile Elephant seals found on the beach, where they enjoy rest, can be dangerous if approached.

“If you see Rocky on the beach, please keep your distance and allow him to rest. If you are able to see the tag on his hind flipper, please stay at least 5 meters away from him to take a picture and send it to us on any of our social platforms.”

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research

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Thanks to the swift actions of veterinarians, a Cape Gannet has been spared a tragic fate after swallowing a 3cm triple hook.

Durban, South Africa (10 September 2024) – A Cape Gannet had a harrowing experience after swallowing a triple fishing hook.

The majestic seabird was admitted into the care of the Animal Health Team at uShaka Sea World after it had been seen by a veterinarian who confirmed, through x-rays, that a triple fishing hook had lodged in the bird’s oesophagus.

The bird was transported to uShaka for emergency surgery by Dr Francois Lampen who has experience in removing ingested fishing hooks from seabirds.

“On arrival, Dr Lampen administered antibiotics to avoid possible infection, fluid support and pain medication before leaving it overnight to rest under a heat lamp.

“Thankfully this morning when we arrived at work the bird appeared alert and strong enough to undergo anaesthetic,” a South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) statement reads.

The 3 cm triple hook was positioned close to major blood vessels, carrying a high risk of vascular trauma. Despite the challenges, the gannet, named Malletjie, defied the odds and survived the complex surgery.

The bird’s resilience and the unwavering care provided by the veterinarians offered a glimmer of hope amidst a potentially tragic situation.

“Luckily I managed to avoid any lacerations to these vessels, and the gannet woke up from surgery soon after I finished the operation.

“We will continue to monitor him closely for the next couple of days and will continue with antibiotics and pain medication,” said Dr Lampen who hopes to see the bird recover and release back into its habitat.

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research

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Against all odds, a young African penguin named Charlie is on the mend after a terrifying shark attack.

Durban, South Africa (15 August 2024) – A young African Penguin is making a remarkable recovery after a brutal shark attack near Warner Beach, Durban.

Found in critical condition on the beach, the penguin, now named Charlie, is currently under the care of experts at uShaka Sea World.

“We are delighted to be able to share news on his progress as it certainly is good news.  We had originally named this penguin Cher but changed his name to Charlie as we are now aware that she is, in fact, a he,” shared South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) clinical veterinarian, Dr Caryl Knox.

Caryl explained that the shark bite was severe and that while Charlie wasn’t out of the woods just yet, his life no longer hung in the balance, and she was confident that he was on the road to recovery.

“Unfortunately, when the shark bit him, it not only lacerated his skin but pierced his cloaca which was protruding out of his body. The cloaca is a chamber where the urinary and faecal matter collects before excretion.”

Caryl skilfully placed Charlie under anaesthetic and performed surgery to repair his cloaca before repositioning it inside his body and carefully suturing the 11cm laceration.

“Charlie has a wonderful fighting spirit and has responded well after surgery. I am so relieved and in love with this little guy,” a smitten Caryl shared.

Speaking to the SABC, Sea World Lead Animal Care Specialist, Kelly de Klerk also commented on how Charlie’s strength and weight have increased from 1.6 kilograms to 3 kilograms.

Charlie is eating up to 10 sardines a day and swimming nicely as he continues to recover. He is monitored closely by dedicated marine experts.

With every passing day, this little penguin’s strength and spirit continue to amaze, inspiring hope for his full recovery and eventual return to the wild.

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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