A young southern elephant seal has made himself at home along SA’s coastline, and locals have been doing exactly what’s needed to keep him safe and undisturbed.
Western Cape, South Africa (25 November 2025) – Bakkies, the southern elephant seal, was first confirmed revisiting our shores by the South African Polar Research Infrastructure and Two Oceans Aquarium’s Marine Wildlife Management team after hauling out at Onrus Beach in early October.
He was originally tagged at Bakoven in December 2024 and was last seen around Mouille Point in April this year.
From Onrus, Bakkies has reportedly moved along the coast, next appearing on Silversands Beach in Betty’s Bay, where volunteers from the Betty’s Bay Conservancy stepped in to put up a boundary so dogs and beachgoers didn’t accidentally stumble into him. Elephant seals really can look like part of the sand until you’re right on top of them.
What is Bakkies doing on SA’s shores?
He is simply here to rest and moult, something elephant seals need to do on land for a few weeks each year. It’s a slow and exhausting process, and they conserve every bit of energy they can. The quieter the surroundings, the better.
After his stop at Silversands, he shifted to Sandbaai, where he was last reported to be settling into a proper routine of sleeping, stretching and barely moving at all. According to Pete Oxford, a member of the Betty’s Bay Conservancy, Bakkies has had almost no disturbance. People have stayed behind the barrier, dogs have been leashed, and visitors have given him the space he needs.
At this time, the South Africa National Stranding Network, in collaboration with the South African Polar Research Infrastructure, contacted a locum vet in Kleinmond, Dr Johan Duminy, who was sent to assist with Bakkies’ vaccinations against rabies.
Southern elephant seals are occasional visitors. The nearest colony is on Marion Island, far south of Cape Town, so seeing one is a special moment for anyone who passes by. But it only works when humans keep their distance.
Conservation teams are asking locals and holidaymakers to continue doing what they’ve been doing so well.
Give him space, keep noise down, leash dogs, and keep your eyes open.
If he moves again, or if anyone spots him somewhere new, sightings can be reported to the Marine Wildlife Management team at the Two Oceans Aquarium (021 418 3823).
Sources: Linked above
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