When the pups are born they measure 75 centimetres in length and weigh between 5-6kg to the age of seven weeks. The pups suckle milk from their mothers for a year; however, it is not uncommon for the pups to attempt feeding on solids from six months.
According to Craig Viljoen from Incidents Supports Services, the first year as a pup in Mossel Bay is more than challenging as a large percentage die.
"A number of factors influence the death of the seal pups, these include factors such as drowning, infection and being crushed by adult males while on the island," says the Viljoen.
"If for whatever reason a pup is not on the island but in the water, it faces a further number of risks. The first of these is the obvious - that the pup immediately becomes part of the food chain and may be eaten by sharks, the second is that if they wash up on the beach, they face their greatest threat and that is people."
Viljoen says that once on the beach they are far less relaxed and display signs of panic, especially when they come face to face with people. The pups will instinctively attempt to return to the water to escape this and this leads to more drowning taking place.
"The greater majority of people are caring and in most instances all they want to do is save these cute pups and they only have the best intentions. Unfortunately, a number of these attempted rescues by members of the public are not in the best interest of the pups and escalate events resulting in the pups death."
"More often than not the pups are washed off the island as a result of high swells breaking over the island. In the event of you finding a live pup while on the beach, we suggest the following:
- do not remove the pup from the beach (any beach),
- do not pick up or handle the pup in any way at all,
- do not attempt to feed the pup,
- do not place the pup in a cooler box with ice - these pups are not from the polar regions,
- do not take the pups to local pubs or public places,
- do not take the pups home for a shampoo and blow waving session,
- do not pour water over the pups if you think they are getting too hot."
"The public must understand that these are wild animals and that they are dangerous, the seals are also protected by law."
A temporary holding has been established on the far side of the Santos beach for emergencies only. This site is only temporary until conditions at sea allow for the return of the pups, should they be well enough to travel back to the island by boat.
A very special word of thanks goes out to the Marine Coastal Management (044 691 2939), SAPS Port of Entry, NSRI, Mossel Bay Fire Department and Romonza for all the assistance of ensuring that the pups are returned to the island safely.
The temporary holding space that has been put up on the far side of the Santos beach for emergency rescues only.
Photo: Melissa du Plooy
