Seals of all kinds are a beloved and integral part of our community. So much so that there’s an entire day dedicated to celebrating them.
These adorable pooches of the ocean are a welcome sight for tourists and locals alike. They’re charming, fascinating and playful. However, they’re also wild and often misunderstood animals that can sometimes become dangerous if they feel threatened.
Also read: Watch: Celebrating World Aquatic Animal Day through your lenses
In light of International Day of the Seal, which took place on 22 March, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) asked two experts, Brett Glasby and Claire Taylor, from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme, to help us get to know our furry flippered friends a little better.
Q: What are the most common types of seals in South Africa?
A: Cape Fur Seals are the most likely seal to be encountered on our coastline, but several migrant species may also be encountered, such as the Southern Elephant Seal, Sub Antarctic Fur Seal, Crab Eater Seal, Leopard Seal and Antarctic Fur Seals.
The Cape Fur Seals are, however, the only residents of our waters.
Also read: Buffel the elephant seal is back on the beach for annual visit
Q: Are seals endangered?
A: Seal populations are healthy and not in any conservation danger. Although the Cape Fur Seal is not considered endangered, the welfare of these animals is a high priority for the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme, due to urban wildlife conflicts that sometimes arise between humans and wildlife populations.
Q: Are seals dangerous?
A: Seals are wild animals and should, therefore, always be treated with respect. This means keeping a safe distance away from them and not interacting with them in the wild. In fact, it is illegal for members of the public to interfere with seals in any way.
It should be recognised that although Cape Fur Seal is usually seen by humans lying on rocks or beaches, the Cape Fur Seal is an apex predator, and is considered to be on the top of the food chain. They compete with each other, other marine animals and humans for similar food sources.
Also read: DFFE warns that seal harassment is a prosecutable offence
With the increasing numbers of Cape Fur Seals in Cape Town’s surrounding waters, the human/seal interactions can become contentious. In these circumstances, it is important to educate people on the natural behaviours of seals, prioritising the beach and ocean spaces as natural breeding, hunting and living spaces for the seals.
Generally, seals will keep away from any perceived threats, however, they will become irritated and afraid if they feel that their space is being invaded. For this reason, humans should keep their distance if they come across a Cape Fur Seal. Seals are naturally curious animals that investigate divers or boats close to them.
Those who experience this behaviour should calmly swim away without antagonising the seal.
A common misapprehension is that seals lying on the beach are in distress or dying and require help. The seal may be in distress, but it may also be resting: seals lie on the beach in order to rest and simply need to be left in peace.
Also read: Seal leaves tourists injured after attacking group of scuba divers
Q: Can you share a fun fact about Cape Fur Seals?
A: Female Cape Fur Seals have thinner and more pointed faces, making them appear more dainty and feminine. The experience of many of our wildlife monitors is that seals snore loudly and are likely to sneeze on you! They have also been known to bark with interest under the water.
Many consider them to be the labradors of the sea, and an interesting fact is that they can put half of their brain to sleep underwater.
Q: Could you comment on the importance of collaboration with other organisations (such as the NSRI) as well as the public in keeping both seals and members of the public safe?
A: We have a very large coastline and a healthy population of animals which can lead to many interactions between humans and seals. It’s impossible for one organisation to manage this situation alone, so collaboration is important for both human and seal protection.
More institutions working together makes us stronger and more effective.
What to do if you find a seal in distress on a beach:
- Do not throw water on it
- Do not chase it back into the water
- Keep dogs away from the seal
- Do not approach or try to touch the seal
- Contact one of the following organisations for assistance:
- Nationally: SPCA on 021 700 4158/9 | 083 326 1604 (after hours)
- Port of Cape Town: The Two Oceans Aquarium on 021 418 3823
- Throughout Cape Town: Hout Bay Seal Rescue on 072 988 5193
Also read:
Watch: Cape fur seal thrashes thresher shark in nature showdown
Picture: Rico Meier / Unsplash
