In a heartwarming tale of wildlife recovery, Rocky, a juvenile elephant seal that found himself stranded on the shores of Rocky Bay last October, was successfully released back into the ocean off the coast of Gqeberha after months of dedicated care at uShaka Sea World.
His strength and the fact that he was on the beach at Rocky Bay earned him the name “Rocky”.
After spending five months under the care of uShaka Sea World staff, it was difficult for them to prepare Rocky for release before watching him be hoisted onto a vessel heading for Cape Town.
uShaka Sea World assistant curator of mammals and birds, Bilal Limbada, said: “Rocky was one of the most endearing seals I have had the privilege of caring for. His huge eyes and unassuming nature melted the hearts of not only the staff who cared for him but literally everyone who for one reason or another found themselves staring into his soulful eyes.”
South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) spokesperson, Ann Kunz, explained that when Rocky was admitted into the care of uShaka Sea World staff, he was slightly underweight for a southern elephant seal of his age and needed to gain around 35kg before he could be released.
“Rocky has a wonderful appetite for sardines and put on approximately 10 kilograms each month whilst he was in our care.”
Kunz added: “We will be able to track Rocky’s travels over the next year or so, as he has been fitted with a satellite tag courtesy of the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Faculty of Health Services, University of Pretoria.
“The information received as we track his movements is of special interest to the National Rabies Advisory Group, and other scientists. It is important to identify the movements of vagrant seals such as Rocky, as these animals, should they ever become infected, can pose a serious risk to other wild seals, in other parts of the world. Understanding what those risks are, and how they can be eliminated, or at least minimised, will improve how we can protect them from such dangerous infections.”
Kunz said they are very grateful to the vessel for transporting Rocky and reintroducing him to the ocean off the continental shelf 25 nautical miles from Gqeberha. Their support has meant that Rocky has been given the best possible chance of making his way home to the southern ocean.
“Go well Rocky, we hope that you will have some amazing ocean adventures on your way home. We can’t wait to follow your satellite tracks,” Kunz added.
When Rocky stranded in October, a uShaka Sea World team led by senior aquarist, Rob Kyle; assistant curator, Bilal Limbada and veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen were treated to the sight of a rare and unexpected visitor - a juvenile southern elephant seal.
When Dr Lampen examined Rocky on the beach, he appeared to be healthy and had possibly hauled out onto the beach to rest after his long swim.
The decision was made to relocate him to a quieter beach within a Marine Protected Area to continue resting without interruption.
Rocky returned to the water after a day or two but did not go home. Instead, he hauled out again on another popular beach.
A decision was made to take Rocky to the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility for further tests and allow him to recover in peace.
Kunz said these seals are not normally found along the KZN coastline, which is approximately 2 000 km from their home. She said when seals strand on KZN beaches with obvious injuries are brought into the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility for treatment and then released.
