Tips to identify a distressed seal and what to do

CAPE TOWN - As the world marks International Seal Day on Saturday, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the City of Cape Town have teamed up to ensure residents know what to do when they encounter a seal in distress.

A rabies outbreak recently broke out amongst seals and knowing how to act when seeing the distressed animal could save it.

Two Oceans Aquarium spokesperson, Heather Wares, said that there were the signs to look out for.

"We need to decide when to call for help. It is normal behaviour for seals to haul themselves onto beaches to rest, in this case it is advised to keep a safe distance from the seal and leave it alone to rest. However, if a seal appears injured, entangled in plastic or fishing gear, or behaves erratically, it's important to act. Further signs of distress include erratic movement, repetitive thrashing of kelp, unprovoked aggression, or obvious disorientation."

Wares said that reporting cases like this helped protect animals.

"The City of Cape Town has a dedicated system for reporting wildlife incidents and ensuring the appropriate response teams are notified. For general wildlife concerns, including stranded or injured animals, please call the city of Cape Town's call centre. For sightings of southern elephant seals, live strandings and seals showing signs of aggression, call Gregg Oelofse, the City of Cape Town's coastal manager directly."