A sub-adult southern elephant seal recently came ashore in the Knysna Estuary, Garden Route National Park, and efforts are underway to help the seal after it was found to be ‘partially covered in an oily substance’.
This resulted in an ‘immediate intervention’ by spraying the seal, known as Columbus, with a biodegradable soap solution, to allow it to soak and rinse him afterwards.
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This is a joint operation conducted by SANParks, the South African Stranding Network, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and CapeNature, while also consulting experts that include vets and oiled wildlife specialists.
SANParks have appealed to the public on a post made on their Facebook page for anyone in the area’s support to allow their team to ‘support Columbus’ process to recovery’.
This means that individuals should not visit and crowd the area.
“We will though ensure that regular updates are provided on developments whilst Columbus is still visiting,’ the post stated.
‘Remember, wild animals are easily irritated and also frightened due to noise, smoking, dogs, and close encounters with people,’ the post added.
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Picture: South African National Parks / Facebook