Angelica Rhoda

Public urged to keep distance from elephant seal Columbo at Victoria Bay

The George Municipality together with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the Stranding Marine Animal Rescue Team (SMART), has issued a public safety notice for Victoria Bay beachgoers.

An immature male southern elephant seal, nicknamed Columbo, has been resting at Victoria Bay since 3 June. Officials have requested that members of the public keep a safe distance to avoid harm to the animal and to themselves.

Columbo is around four to five years old and weighs approximately 500 kilograms. He is identifiable by a white mark on his left eye and a green flipper tag labelled “0196”.

He was first recorded on the South African coastline near Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, in November 2023. Since then, he has visited Victoria Bay on three occasions. His current stay is the longest to date.

During this period, Columbo has been observed engaging in mock fighting behaviour with rocks. This has caused visible wear to his teeth and has led to the formation of a thickened skin patch on his chest.

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Volunteers from SMART monitor the seal during the day. A security guard on site keeps watch overnight. Despite these efforts, Columbo remains vulnerable to disturbances. A recent incident involved a member of the public provoking the seal, which led to aggressive behaviour.

Veterinarians, marine biologists and environmental officials have assessed the situation. It was concluded that Columbo should not be moved.

The public is advised to:

  • Remain at least 20 metres from the seal
  • Keep dogs on a leash and away from the area
  • Avoid touching, feeding or filming the animal at close range
  • Report any misconduct to SMART on 072 227 4715

Southern elephant seals are protected under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. Interference with the animal is a criminal offence.

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Pony rescued by Cape of Good Hope SPCA car chase through Mitchells Plain

An abused cart pony was rescued in Mitchell’s Plain on the 7th of July after a dramatic chase involving the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Metro Police and City Law Enforcement officers.

The pursuit unfolded in Mitchells Plain when an SPCA officer noticed a pony struggling to haul a cart overloaded with vehicle scrap. When the officer attempted to intervene, the handlers refused to cooperate and fled.

Starting a high-speed car chase that continued on foot through Sweet Home settlement.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA / capespca.co.za

According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the pony was whipped in an attempt to speed up, veering into oncoming traffic and nearly causing a collision.

‘They thought they could outrun us…They tried to bury that broken pony deep in the Sweet Home settlement so no one would find him. But we did find him.‘ the SPCA said in a statement.

The rescue team eventually located the pony hidden in a shack, drenched in sweat and visibly injured, with raw wounds and signs of prolonged abuse.

The animal is now in the care of the SPCA, receiving medical treatment.

One suspect was arrested and taken to the Philippi police station. He faces charges of obstruction and attempting to evade justice. Meanwhile, two additional suspects remain at large.

The SPCA says it will continue working closely with law enforcement to track down the remaining individuals involved.

To support the SPCA’s ongoing fight against animal cruelty, visit capespca.co.za

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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA / capespca.co.za