A large adult female Cape fur seal, affectionately named “Santa”, was retrieved and saved from peril when it was spotted by motorists in morning traffic in Athlone on Wednesday.
Bemused motorists and onlookers reported the seal attempting to cross Jakes Gerwel Drive opposite the Vangate Mall, before the Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors arrived to ensure the animal’s safety.
It seems not even Cape Town’s wildlife is immune to the Christmas spirit!
“The SPCA inspectors, experienced in the ways of fur seals, acted quickly to get the animal safely into a crate before a quick health assessment and on its way to the nearest quiet beach where it can recover from its ordeal in peace,” says SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse.
It is still unclear how the seal managed to make its way to the Cape Flats, but Pieterse confirms that the seal has safely been returned to the ocean.
“One theory is that it had swum into a canal and was washed further away by strong currents, or that it was intended to be an unusual Christmas gift for someone’s mother-in-law and then merely dumped when its captor saw the price of fish!
“Either way, Santa the seal (as she was named by onlookers), skipped into the water and swam off with a wave of her flipper, her Christmas shopping will have to wait.
“The Cape of Good SPCA reminds people not to approach any wild animal, especially Cape fur seals, which can be quite aggressive and will not hesitate to bite when cornered or feeling threatened,” he adds.
- Anyone who spots wild animals in public are urged to contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Wildlife Department on 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604.
- The SPCA are also calling on the public for donations in order for their Wildlife Team to continue performing its duty. Interested people can visit www.capespca.co.za/donate
