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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