It’s that time of year again when Cape fur seal pups all along the Western Cape coastline congregate on beaches, tired, hungry and simply wanting to rest. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA requires volunteers to assist them with monitoring seals that are resting on beaches.
The main goal is to keep the seals safe and the public and dogs away.
Also read: Cape fur seal pup returns to Kalk Bay waters after a complicated surgery
Starting in August and lasting throughout the remainder of summer, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA will become inundated with calls and messages from concerned individuals who come across stranded seal pups.
When these endearing creatures reach about one year old, they enter a crucial stage of their lives. After being weaned from their mothers, they are now learning to navigate the challenges of survival on their own.
A combination of turbulent ocean conditions, deep swells and a scarcity of fish for sustenance often leads to pups becoming stranded on the shore. These young ones require a few days of rest before they can attempt the arduous journey back to their home colony.
Some of these pups will find the journey back too overwhelming. Lacking sufficient energy reserves or a thick layer of blubber to insulate them against the chilly temperatures of the Atlantic waters, they will succumb right where they have washed ashore.
If you’re compassionate about the well-being of our seals and eager to make a difference, join the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Seal Squad today. You will receive comprehensive training to assess seals that have been stranded or beached along the Cape’s shores.
Your vigilant watch over these animals until our arrival will play a pivotal role in their rescue and recovery process.
You will not be able to directly handle a stranded seal, but you can play a crucial role in keeping it safe until one of our qualified wildlife inspectors can arrive at the scene to assess the seal and determine the best course of action.
Entry requirements:
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Volunteers will pay a one-time fee of R350, which includes a t-shirt and a beach kit (with required gear).
Compulsory orientation training:
Attendance at the required orientation training is compulsory. After receiving your application, you will receive information about the training’s dates.
Find the volunteer application form here.
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Picture: capespca.co.za
