Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre seeks urgent help after massive waves damage sanctuary

• The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) is appealing for urgent community assistance after large waves damaged the facility’s walls, threatening the seal pups’ sanctuary.
• Operational Director Kim Krynauw is seeking construction support to secure the centre and is also collecting quotes for repairs.
• The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has issued a warning about severe weather, requesting donations to help displaced pets and farm animals.

Animals in Cape Town have been hit hard by strong rain and gale-force winds that have swept across the province.

Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) Operational Director Kim Krynauw appeals to the community for urgent assistance after a series of huge waves hit the Hout Bay harbour since Monday 8 July.

“Yesterday (Monday) we had a huge wave hit the centre,” she said. “We managed to secure the big gaping hole as a temporary measure. We appeal to anyone in construction for urgent assistance to secure the centre’s wall bordering our seal pups’ sanctuary. We are ensured, so we’re not looking for freebies, but I do need to source quotes as we are struggling to keep our heads above water.”

Anyone able to assist Hout Bay seals, can reach Krynauw  on 072 988 5193.

Huge waves beating Hout Bay Harbour delt a serious blow to the Hout Bay Seals Rescue Centre on Monday 8 July.

People’s Post

Other animals

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA also released a statement, saying an orange level-6 warning is in effect.

“Further rain will lead to large-scale flooding and possible mudslides, exacerbating the impacts of the inclement weather we’ve already experienced,” said SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abrahams. “We are expecting these hazardous conditions to displace pets and farm animals who will be in desperate need of rescue and warmth.”

SPCA Inspectors are working closely with the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and have deployed teams to all areas currently in crisis.

“We urgently need donations, oat hay for horses, horse blankets, blankets for cats and dogs, and dry dog and cat food to support the influx of animals,” added Abrahams.

“Our friends at PetShop Science have stepped in to help and will be taking up collections for us at their stores located at convenient spots around the city.”

• To report animals in distress to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA call 021 700 4158/9.