A stern warning has been issued to keep a safe and respectful distance from all marine and coastal wildlife, after numerous cases of wild animals making surprise visits to coastal areas, such as Table Bay, Melkbosstrand and Bloubergstrand.
This request was made by the City of Cape Town last week, as outdoor activities are set to spike during the summer season.
TygerBurger reported last month of a Cape fox that was spotted in the Table View area – residents pointed the finger at rapid expansion and construction in the area for the sighting last month.
A seal also made headlines and surprised visitors with an unexpected pop-in at Pakalolo in Table View restaurant.
Jerry Gordon, a resident, says he came across a baby shark close to Bloubergstrand, but it died before he could report it or try to save the shark’s life.
“I think he was out of the water for too long,” he says.
READ | Exercise caution around wild animals
He says coastal wildlife washing ashore on Bloubergstrand is nothing new.
As these animals are common on beaches and shorelines, the City says we tend to forget that they are in fact wild animals.
“We are blessed in Cape Town to have a coastline that is still rich in biodiversity and home to many wild marine and coastal animals including seals, otters, penguins and many more. In the interest of the safety of beach users, as well as the animals, I want to kindly request residents and visitors to keep a safe and respectful distance from these animals,” says the City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews.
What to do when spotting wildlife
The public is reminded to adhere to the following:
- Do not approach or try and get close to any marine and coastal wildlife. Their natural response will be to defend themselves and this may result in a bite.
- Always keep a respectful distance between yourself and any wildlife to reduce stress on the animal. Move away if approached by wildlife.
- Never try and touch, or pose with, any marine and coastal wildlife. This places both you and the wildlife at risk of potential harm.
- Keep dogs under control by keeping them on a leash and well away from all wildlife at all times. Remove pets immediately from any place where coastal wildlife are present.
- Never try and feed any marine and coastal wildlife.
- Do not support the illegal feeding of wildlife for show, such as the seals at the fishing harbours. This is an illegal activity and must not be supported financially, or otherwise.
Who to contact
In case of any injured, hurt, or coastal wildlife in distress, contact the City on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or 107 from a landline. The appropriate response will be initiated to assist the animal. Residents are urged not to act on their own and without authority.
Below is a list of useful contact numbers:
- Table Bay Nature Reserve – 021 444 0315;
- Cape of Good Hope SPCA – 021 700 4140 and after hours: 083 326 1604;
- Sanccob – 021 557 6155 and for an emergency after hours: 078 638 3731;
- Seals – contact the SPCA: 021 700 4158 / 9 or 083 326 1604 (emergency line);
- Turtles – contact the Two Oceans Aquarium: 021 418 3823 or 083 326 1604 (emergency line).
