A seal is now ‘off the hook’ after enduring distress for three weeks as the result of fishing hooks being painfully lodged in his side and rear flipper.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA attempted multiple rescues but battled due to the seal being back in the ocean when they responded to the calls.
“Every time we responded to these pleas for help, the seal had already jumped back into the water, having been disturbed by tourists and people wanting to get a closer look or take photographs of this beautiful creature. Once he had jumped back into the sea, there was no way of us safely catching him and each time, we had to leave and wait for another opportunity,” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA explained.
Finally, this week, Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse and his team set off early and caught the seal while he was still sleeping on the pier, where the seals of Kalk Bay Harbour normally rest.
“Our hearts were full with relief this morning when we were finally able to help this watery Talk Bay Harbour resident,” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA expressed in celebration of the good news.
“Usually when rescuing seals, we use a fully covered seal net but this morning Chief Inspector Pieterse used an open net so that the hooks could be removed safely, quietly and quickly,” they further noted.
The rescue mission:
Chief Inspector Pierse approached the seal, slipped the net and cover over the seal’s head, and removed the hooks.
Advice and thanks to the public:
“Remember, seals are wild and can be aggressive, so it’s always best to call on our experienced wildlife department as soon as possible and give these beautiful wild creatures their space,” The Cape of Good Hope SPCA advises.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanks the public for notifying them about the seal.
Their Inspectorate is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to ensure no animal suffers.
Contact: 021 700 4158/9 or after hours on 0833261604
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery