A welcome change of pace — just one rescue call this week, and a bumper week for public outreach. With Easter holidays bringing crowds to Hartenbos, SMART made the most of it with three awareness events and Sammy the Turtle mascot charming all ages. The season’s third hatchling also arrived safely from Wilderness.
Incident — Seal Report, Santos Beach
📍 Location: Santos Beach 📅 Date: Tuesday 31 March 👤 Responders: Linda, Dez, Louis
- A caller reported a seal ‘chasing’ people on Santos Beach. Linda, Dez and Louis responded immediately.
- On arrival the seal was found happily chasing — and catching — fish in the water, entirely in its element. Just doing what seals do!
🦦 Outcome: No intervention required. A good reminder that natural seal behaviour can alarm the public — another reason why education is central to our mission.
Rescue — Loggerhead Hatchling, Wilderness
📍 Location: Wilderness 📅 Date: This week 👤 Responders: HAH / TCC
- A very tiny loggerhead hatchling was brought to HAH from Wilderness.
- It will be transferred to TCC tomorrow for ongoing care. The 2026 season tally now stands at three hatchlings.
🐢 Season Tally: 3 loggerhead hatchlings rescued in 2026 to date. Keep watching the beaches!
Public Awareness — Easter Holiday Outreach (3 Events)
Three back-to-back public awareness events this week, capitalising on the Easter holiday crowds. Sammy the Turtle mascot stole the show at every one.
Tuesday 31 March — Hartenbos VLV
- SMART was invited to speak to a group of ladies from the Hartenbos VLV — a pleasant change from school visits, though they were every bit as delighted to meet Sammy as the children always are.
Wednesday 1 April — ATKV Amphitheatre, Hartenbos
- A lively morning engaging with children and adults at the ATKV amphitheatre. With the Easter school holidays in full swing, the town was buzzing — and Sammy was a firm favourite once again.
Saturday 4 April — Hartenbos White Tent Gift Market
- A third morning spreading SMART’s message at the Hartenbos White Tent Gift Market, reaching visitors and locals alike.
- Three outreach events in one week is no small achievement. Now the team deserves a holiday!
🌊 Outreach Note: Three events, hundreds of conversations. An informed public means faster, better reports from the beach — and that saves lives.
Till next week — stay well and keep your eyes open for hatchlings on the beaches. 🐾