If you have ever been to Hout Bay in the Western Cape, then you have definitely spotted the well-known seal that goes by the name of Mr Brown. However, the 22-year-old seal was recently humanely euthanized as a result of poor mobility and impaired eyesight.
According to a statement by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, a few months ago, the seal was involved in an incident when a reversing truck further exacerbated his poor mobility.
“Since the accident, the seal could no longer move freely and was in a great deal of pain and discomfort. An independent veterinarian has been monitoring the ageing seal for the past few months and his condition has continued to deteriorate,” the statement said.
A local Hout Bay resident, known as Prof Joe, said that he found Mr Brown as a young seal and has been feeding the seal for the past 22 years.
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The statement mentioned further that after the accident an independent veterinarian was monitoring the seal for the past few months, however, his condition continued to deteriorate.
“Both the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and Hout Bay Seal Rescue continued to monitor the seal during this period. At this point, his feeder, Prof Joe was also getting very concerned about the seal’s health and approached the Hout Bay Seal Rescue to assist with ending the seals suffering.
“The decision to euthanise the seal was not made easily. Discussions between the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Hout Bay Seal Rescue, and the relevant authorities, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), concluded humane euthanasia,” the statement indicated.
In the meantime, the Good Hope SPCA urge the public that feeding seals or any wildlife are strictly prohibited by law and any person who feeds or exploits a photo opportunity involving seals will be liable to prosecution or handed a hefty fine.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCAA