The Hout Bay Seal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (HBSRC), warns that its future, and the lives of countless seal pups, hang in the balance. This situation arises as the facility enters its eighth month without electricity.
The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre is a non-profit organisation. It is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured, sick, or orphaned seals and other marine wildlife. It operates along the Western Cape coastline. Based at the Hout Bay harbour, the centre provides emergency response for stranded or distressed seals. It offers veterinary treatment and provides a safe environment where animals can recover. This happens before being released back into the ocean.
Beyond rescue work, the centre also plays an educational and environmental role. Volunteers regularly engage with schools and the public to raise awareness about marine conservation, ocean pollution, and the protection of South Africa’s coastal ecosystems. Each year, especially during the October seal pup season, dozens of orphaned pups are brought in for care. Many are separated from their mothers by rough seas or human activity.
Months without power
Despite repeated appeals to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the City of Cape Town, the centre remains without electricity. Emails seen by People’s Post reveal growing frustration among management. This is after months of unsuccessful attempts to secure government assistance. It highlights the challenges the centre faces in maintaining operations.
Seal pup season at risk
The timing is critical, with seal pup season beginning this month.
“Every year, dozens of orphaned seal pups are rescued from our coastline. They need constant warmth from heaters and infrared lamps to survive. But without electricity, we cannot provide it,” said Ilana Nel, volunteer and director of PR at HBSRC.
“We are days away from pup season. If nothing changes, we face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to save them. This week alone, we have already lost three pups,” she added.
Donations diverted to fuel
Since February, the centre has relied on generators, gas, and community donations to keep functioning. Funds that should go toward food, veterinary care, and rehabilitation are now being spent on fuel.
Local residents and businesses have donated prepaid meters, bedding, and jackets to help during winter. Still, Nel says this is not sustainable:
“We cannot run a facility of this nature on makeshift power forever. It places both the animals and our team at risk.”
Rental dispute
Adding to the crisis, the centre continues to receive monthly rental invoices despite lacking basic services. Nel calls this unfair, and possibly unlawful under the Rental Housing Act. This act requires landlords to provide premises fit for their intended purpose.
Limited government response
Volunteers have written to DPWI, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Ward Councillor Roberto Quintas, and Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson. However, they say meaningful responses remain scarce.
“HBSRC plays a vital ecological and educational role in Hout Bay,” Nel said. “Donor money, community goodwill, and years of outreach are being wasted because basic services are not provided. Unless urgent steps are taken, we may be forced to close our doors.”
DPWI explains the delay
In response to People’s Post, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to reconnect electricity and install prepaid metering. Restoration is expected within seven days.
According to the department, the property was previously leased to Oceana (Lucky Star). This allowed HBSRC to operate there. When Lucky Star terminated the lease, it discovered it was still paying for electricity. Therefore, it asked the City of Cape Town to disconnect the supply.
SPCA offers backup support
Belinda Abraham, communications manager for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said:
“It is always distressing to learn of the challenges faced by other organisations in the sector. We understand the concern this creates, particularly as seal pup season approaches.”
She added that the SPCA’s Wildlife Department is fully equipped to respond to marine wildlife emergencies. This includes stranded or orphaned seal pups.
Reports of seals in distress can be made by calling 021 700 4158/9 at any time, day or night.
