The West Coast has always stunned visitors with its beauty, but over the last week, it’s been arousing a different feeling.
Dead Cape Fur seals have been washing up on the shores of Shelly Beach, Elands Bay and Lamberts Bay with no explanation as to how they died, however, scientists believe that there may be something more sinister at play as they try their best to discover the source of the problem, reports IOL.
There are a number of big names leading the investigation, including Sea Search, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, CapeNature, SANParks, the SPCA, Two Oceans, Shark Spotters and a range of municipalities.
While an exact number is yet to be confirmed, the deaths are well into the thousands as Sea Search continues to collect data and assist in the removal of the deceased animals.
In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, the small NGO expressed their concern and heartbreak regarding the incident:
The deaths appear to coincide with the outbreak of the avian flu that has been wreaking havoc in the Western Cape as tens of thousands of endangered birds succumb to the outbreak.
You can report sightings of dead seals directly to Sea Search by sending an email through to [email protected] or heading to their Facebook page. Please summarise Location, Date, Number of Seals, Age Class (Pup/ Juvenile, Adult – if known) and fresh or decomposed.
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Picture: Facebook / Sea Search