Celebrating seals!

Seals in the wild are charming, fascinating, often misunderstood and sometimes dangerous marine animals if they feel threatened. In honour of International Day of the Seal on 22 March, we asked experts from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme to help us get to know our furry flippered friends a little better.

In 2023, the NSRI assisted 23 seals, something that is close to the hearts of volunteers, many of whom are versed in the strict protocols that must be observed when interacting with these wild animals. More often than not, if a seal is in distress, the NSRI will alert experts from appropriate organisations such as Two Oceans Aquarium in the Cape Town area.

We asked Brett Glasby and Claire Taylor, two such experts from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme, to share some insights into these playful animals…

Q. What are the most common types of seal in South Africa?

A. Cape Fur Seals are the most likely seal to be encountered on our coastline, but several migrant species may also be encountered such as Southern Elephant Seal, Sub Antarctic Fur Seal, Crab Eater Seal, Leopard Seal and Antarctic Fur Seals. The Cape Fur Seals are, however, the only residents to our waters.

Q. Are seals endangered?

A. Seal populations are healthy and not in any conservation danger. Although the Cape Fur Seal is not considered endangered, the welfare of these animals is a high priority for the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme, due to urban wildlife conflicts that sometimes arise between humans and wildlife populations.

Q Are seals dangerous?

A. Seals are wild animals and should, therefore, always be treated with respect. This means keeping a safe distance away from them and not interacting with them in the wild. In fact, it is illegal for members of the public to interfere with seals in any way.
It should be recognised that although the Cape Fur Seal is usually seen by humans laying on rocks or beaches, the Cape Fur Seal is an apex predator, and is considered to be on the top of the food chain. They compete with each other, other marine animals and humans for similar food sources. With the increasing numbers of Cape Fur Seals in Cape Town’s surrounding waters, the human/seal interactions can become contentious. In these circumstances, it is important to educate people on the natural behaviours of seals, prioritising the beach and ocean spaces as natural breeding, hunting and living spaces for the seals. Generally, seals will keep away from any perceived threats, however they will become irritated and afraid if they feel that their space is being invaded. For this reason, humans should keep their distance if they come across a Cape Fur Seal. Seals are naturally curious animals that investigate divers or boats close to them. Those who experience this behaviour should calmly swim away without antagonising the seal.
A common misapprehension is that seals lying on the beach are in distress or dying, and require help. The seal may be in distress, but it may also be resting: seals will lie on the beach in order to rest, and simply need to be left in peace. (See “What to do if you find a seal on a beach”.)

Q. Can you share a fun fact about Cape Fur Seals?

A. Female Cape Fur Seals have thinner and more pointed faces, making them appear more dainty and feminine. The experience of many of our wildlife monitors is that seals snore loudly and are likely to sneeze on you! They have also been known to bark with interest under the water. Many consider them to be the Labradors of the sea, and an interesting fact is that they can put half their brain to sleep underwater.

Q. Could you comment on the importance of collaboration, with other organisations (such as the NSRI) as well as the public in keeping both seals and members of the public safe?

A. We have a very large coastline and a healthy population of animals which can lead to many interactions between humans and seals. It is impossible for one organisation to manage this situation alone, so collaboration is important for both human and seal protection. More institutions working together makes us stronger and more effective.

What to do if you find a seal in distress on a beach:

• Do not throw water over it

• Do not chase it back into the water

• Keep dogs away from the seal

• Do not approach or try to touch the seal

• Contact one of the following organisations for assistance:

Nationally: SPCA on 021 700 4158/9 / 083 326 1604 (a/h)

Port of Cape Town: The Two Oceans Aquarium 021 418 3823.

Throughout Cape Town: Hout Bay Seal Rescue 072 988 5193

Cape of Good Hope: The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Unit 021 700 4158/9 (office hours) or 083 326 1604 (after hours).

Durban: uShaka Sea World on 031 328 8222

Gqberha: Bayworld 071 724 2122

Images supplied by Two Oceans Aquarium.