MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Last Wednesday, 23 April, the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) was called to Little Brak River Beach to assist a subantarctic fur seal in distress.
S.M.A.R.T. posted on its Facebook page that when its volunteers arrived, they found the seal was not in the best condition.
"After careful assessment by our vet and consultation with the relevant authorities, we decided the safest option was to capture it and transport him to Hartenbos Animal Hospital for monitoring and care," stated the post.
It further stated that since the seal was taken to the vet, he was doing well and it was hoped he would be released into the wild soon.
S.M.A.R.T. volunteer Michael de Nobrega took several photographs of the seal, resting on the beach before it was taken to Hartenbos Animal Hospital.
This subantarctic fur seal was found at the Little Brak River Beach last Wednesday. Photo: Michael de Nobrega
According to the Gqeberha-based Bayworld complex website, subantarctic fur seals "are great travellers".
The site states that "individuals often come ashore on the South African coast in winter, where they are easy to identify by their colouration".
They have an orange or creamy white chest and face and a brown back and head.
Photo: Michael de Nobrega
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
