Marcia Boyens<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A rare visitor made waves on Eersterivierstrand when a Southern elephant seal emerged from the ocean to moult \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elephant seals undergo a unique moulting process once a year, shedding an entire layer of skin and fur in what is known as a \u201ccatastrophic moult.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To ensure the seal\u2019s safety, the local National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) cordoned off the area with a sign reading, \u201cSeal Resting \u2013 Absolutely No Entry.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n