Southern elephant seals are uncommon in South Africa, so the birth of a pup has been noted as a surprising event by local authorities in the area.
Facebook/Nahoon Point Nature Reserve
As stated by News24, Kevin Cole (a scientist at East London Museum) commented on this miraculous occasion:
“The species has not been recorded in recent decades at the reserve. The East London Aquarium and the East London Museum responded to the report of the animal and immediately set in motion a plan to secure the seal…”
The mother and seal pup were reported to be located near Bat’s Cave at Nahoon Point Nature Reserve. Unfortunately, on Saturday, 31 September, a call came through that the seals were under attack.
The southern elephant seal pup was bludgeoned to death, and two suspects are under investigation in connection to the horrific act. Cole also stated to Earthnews365 the importance of more intensive security following this death:
“...a lot more can be done by the Buffalo City Metro Municipality to protect people and animals in the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, East London.”
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