A demanding week of sustained monitoring, a difficult capture operation in extreme heat, and an emotional outcome. A lethargic seal at the Point was monitored over several days before a multi-team capture was mounted on Thursday. Sadly she did not survive. Samples are pending State Vet testing for avian flu and rabies. The week closed on a brighter note with an energetic school visit to Hoekwil in sweltering conditions.
Report — Dead Turtle, Outeniquastrand
📍 Location: Outeniquastrand 📅 Date: Monday 6 April 👤 Responders: Val
- A photo and message were received reporting a dead turtle at Outeniquastrand. Val responded with sampling kit and measuring tape.
- The turtle could not be located on arrival. High spring tides and rough seas had likely washed it back out to sea before Val could reach it.
🌊 Outcome: Turtle not recovered. No samples obtained. Conditions — spring tides and rough seas — prevented retrieval.
Incident — Lethargic Seal, The Point (Multi-day Response)
📍 Location: The Point 📅 Date: Tuesday 7 – Thursday 9 April 👤 Responders: Dez, Louis, Doreen, Mario, Tersia + HAH team
- Tuesday 7 April: a seal was reported on the rocks at the Point. Volunteers began monitoring and videos were sent to Dr Hofmeyr and Dr de Graaff. The seal appeared very lethargic and barely moved.
- Wednesday 8 April: the seal remained in the same location and condition, but was observed coughing frequently. Monitoring continued.
- Thursday 9 April: the seal was still present and showing no improvement. In the extreme heat, her condition was a mounting concern. After consultation with the veterinary team, a decision was made to capture her.
- The SPCA were unable to assist due to being understaffed, so it was all hands on deck. Dr Frans and his wife Christie, daughter Sr Stefanie and assistant Robert all arrived on site.
- The seal was caught in the hoop net, carefully carried over the rocks and along the pathway, and transported to HAH.
⚠️ Outcome: The seal was humanely euthanised due to her dire condition. Samples have been submitted to the State Vet for testing for avian flu and rabies. Results pending.
💙 Thanks: Heartfelt gratitude to Dez, Louis, Doreen, Mario and Tersia for monitoring the seal and managing the public over several days, and to the full HAH team for their dedication and compassion.
Outreach — Hoekwil School Visit
📍 Location: Hoekwil School 📅 Date: Friday 10 April 👤 Responders: Tersia, Annelize, Val (aka Sammy the Turtle)
- SMART continued its educational outreach programme with a visit to Hoekwil School. 173 exceptionally well-behaved and enthusiastic learners made for a wonderful audience.
- The children were divided into two groups for the presentations. By the end of a full morning in 32°C heat, Tersia, Annelize and Val — Sammy included — were fairly well done in!
🌟 Outreach Total: 173 learners reached at Hoekwil this week. Every child who learns about our marine environment is a future guardian of our coastline.
Till next week — may the road rise up to meet your feet. 🐾