Dear SMART Members and Friends,
Welcome to 2026! A new year brings new challenges, and hopefully lots of goodwill as well.
The Posing Male: New Year’s Eve Star
Tuesday, December 30th: A Cape Fur Seal was reported at Beacon Point. Sarie, Louis, and Tersia responded to find a big male, probably just resting. After monitoring, they determined there was no cause for concern.
Wednesday, December 31st: The same beautiful male remained on the rocks, clearly enjoying posing for the public as they rang in the New Year! Louis, Tersia, and Maruschka monitored until he returned to the water mid-morning, having thoroughly soaked up the attention.
Late Night Emergency Response
Also December 31st: At 22:30, a pup was found on a dangerous stretch of beach at Diaz. With no volunteers available at that late hour, the SPCA responded and collected the ill seal, which had bite injuries and died during the night. We are deeply indebted to Mariaan and her staff who were able to safely remove this pup from the hazardous beach location.
Continuing Pup Season Rescues
Thursday, January 1st: A weak black pup (#27 for this season) stranded at Diaz. Ursula transported it to HAH, but sadly it could not be saved.
Saturday, January 3rd: Late afternoon, Michael rescued Pup #28 at Diaz and took it to HAH.
Sunday, January 4th: Pup #29 stranded at Bayview and was taken to HAH by Mario.
We’re hopeful that both pups #28 and #29 will be healthy enough to return to Seal Island tomorrow, depending on their overnight condition assessments.
A Small Relief!
We heaved a collective sigh of relief that Columbo, the elephant seal who kept us occupied at Victoria Bay for 41 days last year, did not haul out for his annual moult in a public area along the Garden Route this season!
Wishing you all a very good 2026!
Until next week, The SMART Team
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Never approach, touch, or attempt to return stranded marine animals to the water. Always call SMART responders and keep a safe distance while waiting for trained personnel to arrive.
