GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), has issued a public advisory following the extended stay of a southern elephant seal at Victoria Bay.
Nicknamed ‘Columbo’, the young male seal has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, but officials are urging beachgoers to keep a safe distance and respect his space.
Columbo is an immature male southern elephant seal of about four to five and estimated to weigh 500kg. He is easily recognisable by a white mark on his left eye and a green identification tag marked ‘0196’ on his hind flippers.
The seal was first recorded on the South African coast near Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay in November 2023, when he remained ashore for a month to moult. Since then, he has returned to Victoria Bay on three occasions, with the most recent haul-out beginning on 3 June - his longest stay to date (37 days and counting).
During this time, Columbo has displayed unusual but harmless behaviour, including mock fights with rocks, which has worn down his teeth and led to the formation of a thickened patch of skin, or integumentary shield, on his chest.
Columbo is monitored during the day by volunteers from the Stranding Marine Animal Rescue Team (Smart), while a nearby security guard keeps a casual watch at night. However, the seal remains vulnerable to harmful human interactions, including people attempting to disturb or provoke him, sometimes for social media content.
One recent incident involved a possibly intoxicated individual deliberately provoking Columbo, leading to a chase and aggressive behaviour towards this individual and endangering volunteers and other beach users.
Why Columbo has not been moved
Following several expert consultations - including marine biologists, veterinarians and state officials - it was agreed that the best course of action was to leave Columbo undisturbed at Victoria Bay.
Attempts to move or chase him into the ocean were considered risky, both to humans and the animal, and could cause distress or injury. Euthanasia is not justified in this case, as Columbo is not ill or suffering.
Dos and don’ts with Columbo
To protect both Columbo and members of the public, please strictly adhere to the following:
DOS:
• Stay at least 20m away from the seal at all times. If the seal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
• Keep dogs on a leash and well away from the seal.
• Report any suspicious or harmful behaviour towards the animal to the relevant authorities or Smart volunteers on site.
DON’TS:
• Do not approach, touch or feed the seal.
• Do not throw water, sand or objects at the seal.
• Do not attempt to get close for selfies or videos - this can agitate the animal and result in injury.
• Do not allow children or pets to interact with or get close to the seal.
• Do not attempt to scare or chase him into the water - he is here by choice.
Southern elephant seals are protected under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Nemba) and its threatened or protected species regulations. Any disturbance or harassment of the animal is a criminal offence.
The municipality and Smart appeal to all residents and visitors to help ensure Victoria Bay remains a safe space for both people and marine life - starting with giving Columbo the peace he deserves.
For more information, contact Smart on 072 227 4715.
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