After being rescued and cared for by the SAAMBR team at uShaka Sea World, Rocky was released back into the ocean, only to be washed ashore yet again! The kind folks at SAAMBR welcomed him back with open arms as he underwent his annual moult.
Durban, South Africa (28 November 2024) – It would appear that our friend Rocky, the adorable Southern Elephant Seal, wasn’t quite ready to dive back into his natural habitat. Or perhaps the loving care of the skilled South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) team at uShaka Sea World, was just too good to part ways with just yet.
In an adorable turn of events, the seal which was found to be in good health after washing ashore at Rocky Bay, was released to a quieter beach within a Marine Protected Area only for him to be hauled out onto another popular beach!
According to the SAAMBR, it was decided that Rocky would be safer at the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility where he could be monitored and allowed to recover in peace.
Rocky currently weighs 107 kgs and has slowly gained confidence, eating just over six kilograms of fish each day.
The gentle giant is also undergoing his annual moult as he sheds his coat of fur before emerging with a beautiful new one.
“His total fish allocation for the day is divided into three equal feeds which he looks forward to. His diet is made up of squid, cuttlefish, pilchards and other small schooling fish which he sucks in with relish.
“We hope that Rocky’s moult will be complete within the next month or so which means Rocky will, in all likelihood, be with us for Christmas,” SAAMBR shares.
Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research
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