Large Elephant Seal Stuns Locals as It Roams South African Streets

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — An unexpected visitor surprised residents of Gordon’s Bay when a two-ton elephant seal was spotted wandering the streets. This unusual sight unfolded early Tuesday morning and quickly garnered attention from locals.

The young male seal strayed from the ocean and meandered through suburban areas, prompting residents to record the unusual event. “This is unreal. Hi, bro, how did you get here?” one woman exclaimed in disbelief, capturing the moment on her phone.

Efforts to contain the seal were initiated by police and local security personnel, who positioned patrol cars around it. In a remarkable display of curiosity, the seal rested its massive head on the hood of one vehicle and attempted to climb onto another, before breaking free and continuing its journey along the sidewalk.

Eventually, the seal paused next to a shopping mall. Animal welfare officials expressed concern about its health, noting that it had ventured too far from the ocean and could face dehydration and exhaustion. The seal weighed approximately 4,400 pounds, while adult male elephant seals can reach over 13 feet in length and weigh significantly more.

A team of marine wildlife specialists, along with a city veterinarian, arrived on the scene. They sedated the seal and transported it in a trailer to a nearby bay, restoring it to its natural habitat.

The local Cape of Good Hope SPCA shared a video of the seal making its way back to the sea, playfully captioned, “Sea you later.” This heartwarming resolution brought relief to both officials and the community.

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