Locals are being warned to be cautious following reports of a Leopard Seal who decided to make Lagoon Beach in Milnerton his sunbathing spot.
Early on the morning of Wednesday, August 28, the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA was notified of a Leopard Seal resting at the river mouth near Lagoon Beach. The SPCA team was concerned that the animal may be in distress and responded immediately.
A section of the beach has been cordoned off to allow the seal its own space and to protect members of the public and pets.
This species of seal is an unusual visitor to our shores as the species is usually found in the Antarctic. The latest Milnerton visitor is an adult male, 2.56metres in length and still growing.
Assessments of his condition have revealed that his is slightly underweight but this may be because he is currently undergoing a moulting process. Residents are being warned that leopard seal are usually aggressive animals and their bite can cause severe injury.
Concerned citizens are being urged to admire him only from afar.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and the City of Cape Town will closely monitor the seal with assistance from the CoGH SPCA while he visits our shores.
Locals are reassured that if he is left undisturbed and unstressed he will surely make his way home soon.
The City of Cape Town’s Environmental Department has sighted a leopard seal that has come ashore on Milnerton beach near the Lagoon. Residents, visitors and beachgoers are warned to exercise caution and not to go near the animal while he is ashore. pic.twitter.com/5KpNWHHyFn
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) August 28, 2019
Pictures: The City of Cape Town/Cape of Good Hope SPCA