A RARE visitor made waves on Eersterivierstrand when a Southern elephant seal emerged from the ocean to moult — a process that left onlookers stunned. Southern elephant seals are rarely seen in South Africa, but they do occasionally visit the coast for their month-long shed.
Elephant seals undergo a unique moulting process once a year, shedding an entire layer of skin and fur in what is known as a “catastrophic moult.” This process can take up to a month, during which time the seal must remain on land to complete the shedding and regeneration of its coat. Seeing this in South Africa, and specifically on Eersterivierstrand, is extremely rare.
To ensure the seal’s safety, the local National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) cordoned off the area with a sign reading, “Seal Resting – Absolutely No Entry.” Marine experts also checked on the animal, collecting samples and tagging it for monitoring. Observers noted that the seal had a minor chest injury, but it did not seem to hinder its natural process.
Beachgoers Karla Moore, Iloné Marais and Johan Viljoen were on their way to swim at Blougat when they were met with this unexpected sight. “We were heading down to the beach when we suddenly noticed danger tape. Curious, we peeked over the dune and were completely shocked to see a massive seal resting there!” said Moore.
Initially unsure of what was happening, the group quickly turned to Google for answers.
“At first, we thought the animal was either sick or possibly giving birth. But as we watched, we realized it was actually going through a moulting process. It was a terrifying yet incredible experience — what were the chances of witnessing something like this?”
After spending several weeks on land, the seal completed its moult on Saturday afternoon and returned to the ocean, leaving behind only a patch of shed fur and an unforgettable memory for those who witnessed its visit.
With elephant seal populations dwindling, moments like these serve as a reminder of how important it is to protect and respect wildlife. And for those lucky enough to have seen it, this unexpected encounter with nature was nothing short of magical.
