A week of warmth in two senses — a lovely school outreach to Ridgeview Primary on Tuesday, and a much-anticipated first Subantarctic fur seal visit of the season at Dana Bay on Saturday. Dana the subbie is resting comfortably under the watchful eye of Louis and the team. Another cold front is expected Tuesday — we hope Dana has packed his thermals.
Outreach — Ridgeview Primary School, Mossel Bay
📍 Location: Ridgeview Primary School, Mossel Bay 📅 Date: Tuesday 26 May 👤 Responders: Dez, Tersia, Marietjie, Gerrit, Val + Sammy
- SMART continued its educational outreach programme with a visit to Ridgeview Primary School in Mossel Bay. The Grade 2 learners had prepared beautifully crafted marine-themed dioramas — a wonderful welcome and a sign of engaged young minds already thinking about the ocean.
- Dez led the session, with Tersia, Marietjie, Gerrit and Val completing the team. Sammy the Turtle Mascot was, as always, an immediate hit with the children.
🌟 Outreach Note: Marine-themed dioramas from Grade 2 learners — these children are already thinking like ocean stewards. Every school visit plants a seed that matters.
Sighting — ‘Dana’ the Subantarctic Fur Seal, Dana Bay
📍 Location: 2nd Beach, Dana Bay 📅 Date: Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 May 👤 Responders: Louis, Dez, Nico, Lize
- Our first Subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) of the season hauled out on 2nd Beach at Dana Bay on Saturday. He has been named Dana — a fitting tribute to his chosen rest stop.
- Louis responded immediately. Over the years Louis has formed a truly special bond with subbie and elephant seals — perhaps word has spread among the visiting seals that the Garden Route has a wonderful guardian, and they keep returning!
- Dana was still present on Sunday morning. At noon he tested the water, but by 15:30 he was back on the beach — clearly not ready to leave just yet.
- Louis put up perimeter tape and a signboard to protect Dana from public disturbance. Dez, Nico and Lize also assisted with monitoring through the day.
🦦 Status: Dana present and resting as of Sunday 31 May. Monitoring continues. Please visit our Facebook page for updates and keep a respectful distance if you are in the area.
Weather Warning — Cold Front Expected Tuesday
- A weather warning has been received for another severe cold front expected to arrive on Tuesday. The team is on standby.
- All volunteers are asked to stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye on the beaches for any animals that may need assistance as conditions deteriorate.
⚠️ Standby: Severe cold front forecast for Tuesday 2 June. Team on alert. Stay warm and safe.
Please keep warm and stay safe — till next week. 🐾