In a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary, residents of Gordon’s Bay were left astonished on the morning of 27 May 2025 when a Southern elephant seal was found lounging beside Sir Lowry’s Pass Road—almost one kilometre inland from the shoreline. The sub-adult male marine mammal had clearly taken a wrong turn from the ocean, finding himself far from familiar waters.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA received the call at 06:20am, and by 7:00am, a team was on site to assess the situation. What followed was a nearly nine-hour rescue effort, involving a coordinated response from multiple agencies to ensure the safety of both the animal and the surrounding community.
Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) are the largest seal species in the world and are typically found in the sub-Antarctic regions. While solitary males occasionally haul out along South Africa’s coast during moulting or rest periods, it is exceedingly rare for one to wander so far inland—especially into a residential neighbourhood.
“Wild animals don’t always follow the script, and this seal’s unexpected journey into a residential area created real cause for concern,” said Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “With so many moving parts—traffic, onlookers, and a massive marine mammal in distress—it took rapid coordination and clear focus to keep everyone safe.”
Rescue Operation
While the seal appeared to be physically unharmed, his presence near a busy road posed potential risks for himself and for motorists. Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, SAPS, Gordon’s Bay Security, and Gordon’s Bay Medical Ambulance Services quickly secured the area and redirected traffic.
Specialist teams from the SPCA, the City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management and Marine Unit, SANParks, Two Oceans Aquarium, Shark Spotters, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) joined forces. The seal was carefully monitored and sedated by a wildlife veterinarian, before being loaded into a large game capture trailer for transport.
Back to the Beach
By late afternoon, the seal had been given the all-clear by veterinary staff and was safely relocated to Kogel Bay. There, under observation, he gradually recovered from sedation and was left to return to the ocean at his own pace.
Significance of the Sighting
This rare incident highlights the fragile boundaries between wild and urban environments. The seal’s surprising detour into suburbia underscores the importance of rapid-response wildlife services and public awareness when such events occur. It also speaks to the adaptability—and vulnerability—of marine animals navigating a human-dominated landscape.
Belinda Abraham credited the day’s success to collective effort: “It truly takes a village. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up today—for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”
Important Reminder to Residents
Members of the public who encounter wildlife in urban spaces are reminded not to approach, feed, or attempt to assist the animals. Instead, they are urged to contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for professional assistance. The organisation can be reached on 021 700 4158/9, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
