Baby Seal With Missing Flipper Encountered During Rescue

Naude, Denzil and Francois from Ocean Conservation Namibia were doing a patrol on kayak when they came across this poor seal pup by chance.
Naude spotted a seal pup on the beach with a scar around his neck, unsure if it was and entanglement or not. Francois also spotted a pup covered in fishing line, so they decided to check the seals out.
Naude ran up to his and although it had a bad cut, it was one of their former rescues, and the scar was healing up really well.
At the same time Francois was busy restraining a bigger pup covered in thick fishing line. While running up to help Francois, Naude saw a youngster moving very strangely. As he got closer he saw that the pup was missing one of his front flippers! There was some scar tissue, so it was definitely not a birth defect. It could have been lost due to an entanglement, or possible bitten off by a shark or even a bigger seal. The team have never seen something like this before. The pup can run relatively well, and appeared to swim okay too. Only time will tell if he will be able to swim fast enough to hunt.
As Francois and Naude finished up the seal with the fishing line, Denzil came in from behind ushering another small pup with a rubber gasket around his neck. They quickly cut him free too and returned to their kayaks to finish their patrol. 🦭
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Ocean Conservation International (OCI) is registered as a non-profit organization under chapter 501(c)3. Donations to OCI are tax deductible in the United States. All donations are used to support the seal rescue team from Ocean Conservation Namibia.

[@ErzengelDesLichtes]

I’m amazed the one with the missing flipper is surviving in the wild. In the states we’d take him to a sanctuary because his likelihood of survival in the wild is so low. Hope he does well.

[@gab_ale]

The first pup was calm. Probably was like: "hey bros, you again?"

[@vincenzomusella3029]

It’s like going to the dentist for them at this point

[@polashquadhi2330]

and then said, look I'm ok, no strings, can I go now?

[@captaindein33]

@@Dowlphin hmm nice catch but too bad

[@ronnieroo227]

That's exactly what l thought, hey look its my mates again. 😍😂

[@mr88talent]

He looked like he had a new fishing line they missed at 0:44 sec

[@Primalxbeast]

That last one was feisty. He looked back at you at the end like, ok I'll let you live this time, but if you catch me and my buddy again, you'll be in trouble.

[@stevencroat]

I dont know why, but in my head your comment sounded like Liam Neeson :-DD

[@Enigmaprince]

haha feisty was my first thought too xD specially when he snapped at him in the end :)

[@ninamarie8654]

😂😆

[@heidim6468]

It’s like he came over to you knowing you would help him. Thank you all.

[@jerrygsvt]

That’s a first time that I’ve seen a seal come up to get his rubber necklace removed.

[@childofgod7023]

Ikr, I was thinking the same thing lol

[@tsunamis82]

He was being herded by one of the guys. You can see them in the background when they are taking the fishing line off

[@knotjustknitsniagara]

2:16 this pup literally lined up for rescue and stayed to thank you! How beautiful 😍

[@philipsdeb]

It is uplifting to see Naude with the seals. Definitely has a connection with them.

[@williamfence566]

Gotta love the fiesty seal who stood his ground but only after he'd been helped. Fantastic work again guys . Stay safe

[@amytownsend3660]

“I just want to see. How did you lose that? Good boy!” Being scabbed/healed over he obviously has “adapted” to being three-legged for a while, and has been hunting and eating, because he’s alive! Amazing how nature can take care of things. Y’all do fantastic work! Keep it up! And thank you! Amy from South Carolina USA

[@anglosaxon5874]

"I nearly caught my first human" says the proud pup to his parents and mates! lol

[@erdfcv0002]

seal : so you choose death human!!! after saw the rubber ring embarrassed seal :.................. bye~~~!

[@anamazing2297]

I love how the last one calmed down even after snapping at you. The pup just looked so confused! And I'm extremely grateful you now have arm guards, so he didn't tear into you as well! Thanks to Brian from California! 😆

[@Yanquetino]

That last little puppy was damn agile! Nearly got your hand, Naude! Then he paused, looking at you, wondering what happened to the noose choking him. GOOD job!

[@marionbowler5440]

Lucky pups that they have someone who cares. Thank you. 🇨🇦🐘🐙

[@Franklin5261]

The 2nd little seal looked like he was coming over to ask for a little help getting his necklace off. It’s nice to see you guys preventing these seals from losing flippers and even worse their lives. Thank you as always guys! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Michaelf122]

I'm quitting dominos to come save seals.

[@davepelfrey3958]

GlobDabber, that would be a very rewarding gig in my opinion.

[@SharpLady53]

Certainly more invigorating!

[@Ascendedninja6]

I'll quit my life and go with you!

[@candy4428]

I wanna go as well take me !! I just need training on catching seals lol..

[@Lengsel7]

The pizza chain or the game?

[@matspersson1017]

Every day a seal is saved ... is a good day!

[@hendriklurse6518]

Poor little puppy 😢 can he survive without the flipper? 😢 Thank you for rescuing the two other pups ❤️ the last one was very aggressive, but very cute 😊

[@chaotixthefox]

Chances are good that he will get picked off by a predator in the water unfortunately. The reduced mobility is a big problem.

[@icturner23]

He or she has survived till now, so although there is certainly more risk than most his or her chances are increasing all the time.

[@icturner23]

Chaotix Fox The chances are higher than for most seals, but not necessarily very high and certainly not ‘good’. He or she would have been much more vulnerable at the time of the loss than now.

[@andrewfrost8422]

I hope and pray that the little one that lost his flipper is coping ok. Good work guys,

[@Fishlipsandbabyhands]

Don’t worry they can still swim pretty good with one flipper they just won’t be as fast

[@dwlopez57]

@@Fishlipsandbabyhands but he didnt do to well on land. I'm concerned he would be easy pickings for any land predaters. Dont k ow if they have to deal with them there much, but some places do.

[@paulbyrne6532]

Naude, Denzil the seals may not be able to thank you but their are lots of us watching your vids that can and do Thank You 500 and counting keep up the great work

[@jeanhunter3538]

2:20 The little smaller pup that came after you freed the first one was adorable. Little guy tried to stand his ground for a second but then just got handled with his small size.

[@mlhart3741]

"Oh hi, is this where seal puppies can get unentangled? K thx bai"

[@cactuslietuva]

I love how you manage to upload a video every day. Must take some time editing it all. Thank you for showing us the impact of littering and consumption

[@Froggability]

Must be a heck of a lot of fishing gear dumped in that area!

[@KotaJeewithe]

& they have about close to 100 which they haven't editted yet & are slowly getting done. Truly great stuff though

[@janicesmith2475]

Impact of consumption? 🙄

[@mpbeautyinsight]

Aw the little guy didn’t realize you were trying to help him, but looks like he was glad that you did 💙

[@mlight6845]

Today I am seeing how beautiful their fur is. Thank you ❣ These pups are darling! They are calmer than I have seen them of late.

[@depizixuri58]

2:41 Naude almost lost his flipper

[@Flowershark]

Wonderful rescues and that pup at the end was a feisty one! Amazing to see the pup with the missing flipper just pushing on and fighting the odds. I feel like there is so much we can learn from animals. Good to see you have so more help. I don't know if Francois has been out with you before, but I am very happy he was able to come out to help out!! Thanks to all of you always!!

[@howtogrow3020]

damn those seals are so cute

[@prospero4183]

Wow that little guy was having none of it, when u backed off, he's like "dam right human, u better run or ill have ur arm off"

[@janicesmith2475]

I swear these seals are becoming trained! And that last little one just came walking along like a little puppy! 🥰

[@sil9800]

Welcome to the OCN family FRANCOIS!! Thank you! The pup without a flipper was incredible! Did it look like it was seared off, or could he have maybe come across an orca or other predator? Amazing he was able to heal! The way the last pup came up to y'all was like "I hear you guys can help me out!" Lol. Great work guys! Thank you again!

[@isthatujeebus]

Ah finally, they're coming up to you for help! :D

[@Enigmaprince]

If there is a heaven u guys deffinitelly have a spot occupied there with all that good karma. Good job guys god bless ya

[@FlashyJackie1]

So grateful you have more help, welcome Francois! Great rescues, as always, and amazing to see the pup without his flipper - I hope he lives a full life

[@russb24]

That last one coming to you was like coming to see the doctor for help but then not liking what the treatment will involve.

[@sabatheus]

Welcome, Francois, to the OCN team!

[@nicklager1666]

Welcome Francois! Poor thing does he have a chance to survive without a flipper. Damn that breaks my heart.

[@bigbob1699]

Some one has to feed the sharks . The circle of life , remember .

[@Epitome613]

@@bigbob1699 Harsh, but you're not wrong.

[@daisycocoa2557]

Is there a sanctuary in your country ?

[@edsan9788]

It made it this far just wish the best for them

[@icturner23]

Daisy Cocoa No, Naude has previously stated that there is not yet any sanctuary in Namibia.

[@user-nj7hf1vz8d]

Такие славные малыши! Спасибо огромное, что помогли им!

[@Danny_Boel]

2:49 that look on it's face is absolutely priceless, "they didn't want to eat me but only wanted to steal my necklace?? that does not compute!" ... pretty feisty for such a small pupper too.

[@Goldiegirl2009]

So glad that last pup didn’t bite you. Great reflexes Naude. Thanks for saving them.

[@user-nj7hf1vz8d]

Спасибо огромное ВАМ!!!

[@leventmarangoz3149]

He was almost biting your hand. Get well soon. The heroes are at work again ...

[@TraumaER]

2:16 I thought the seals were forming a line to get help from OCN lol! 😂

[@ewaleokadia76]

I wondered if that last seal wanted to help his friend or get help while pretending that he wanted to bite Naude😂.

[@ediana1636]

I love the fact that the pup with missing flippers stops and let him see as it understands what he is saying

[@dcwander7092]

Ediana: British researcher hooked dogs up to MRIs and ran them through a series of commands where vocabulary and tone if voice conflicted, and the dogs obeyed the vocabulary. The same area of the brain lighted up that lights up in human brains while processing language. The researchers theorize dogs can understand 50 to 200 human words. Cape Cross area seals are exposed to tourists chatting at Caoe Criss Seal Reserve, so it is possible that seals there learn language from puphood. Seals have the same size brains as dogs.

[@tyn999]

2:42 And Naude almost got bitten again... 😧

[@imyuzuki1604]

The Kevlar came in handy!

[@drum77]

I will again thank you to the folks that sent the Kevlar long gloves.

[@surg23]

The last seal took a moment to apologize once it realized you had helped it. What a sweetie!

[@finscreenname]

The first one was like, been here and done this... Bravo!!

[@rosemaria300]

That broke my heart that one seal had his flipper missing and as Naude said, he manages to survive. Looks like you had some new people added to the team. More work to do and need more Help! A warm bug from the USA💙🤗

[@rickdees251]

"Amazing they are doing so well" It's not like they got a choice, poor guys. That's what surviving is all about. Great work being done.

[@Blaster53]

Now anyone can see how great job you do. Imagine how many of these poor seals would lose not just limb but life as well if not your gargantuan job. I was amazed to se how brave was the little seal and how vigorously was fighting for his freedom. True little hero. Guys thanks a lot for your great job in saving these cute creatures from our misdeeds. Greetings and best wishes from Berlin.

[@rickjason215]

That seal was quick to bite. I don’t know how you avoided it.

[@pizzamom555]

I don't think he did. I think it caught his new kevlar sleeve.

[@kuyamofransheesh]

they had mad reflexes

[@13vatra]

Years of mostly avoiding seal bites.

[@TheMexxodus]

Those gloves and kevlar sleeves certainly aren't a luxury. They proven the donation's worth. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@Life_is_Awesome_Civil]

Good one ❤️

[@shattovitelli6474]

Good two))

[@beep_bap]

Good three

[@DavidPerez-xh9og]

My favorite ...thank you my Bros .. NYC ..one

[@stephanieyee9784]

It was nice to see Francois join you and Denzil for the day. I know he passes information along such as the pup on the lighthouse wharf but its nice to see him calmly taking part in a rescue. Denzil's wee puppy at the end was big on attitude. Poor single flipper seal, it does look in good condition so its still feeding which is good.

[@brendatajik6150]

*Wow! That last pup had an attitude! Well done, gentlemen.* 🥰

[@SharpLady53]

You have certainly broadened our horizons and made us reaffirm that Angels are Everywhere! Great job, men. 🕊

[@seecanon5840]

I watched this two times and cried both times at the amputated flipper and just a baby. These guys depend on you for their lives and you always deliver. Very grateful for you three.

[@HamabaJuJu]

2:25 The second one was coming to you guys, SUBCONSIOUSLY.

[@imminentshoebill]

just a comment for the algorythm. and to tell u guys to keep up this wonderful work! 💖🐋

[@Meilei429]

you see how that pup came up from behind him? i told you a few episodes ago.....ONE DAY THEY WILL COME TO YOU!!! i love how they hang around for a bit and look at them, as if to say, Hey thanks man! That shit was killing me!!! as always well done guys, well done!!!

[@keerthishankwar1372]

👏👏👏

[@mymi704]

So cute! The last one was like "Can you help me too.... but don't touch" :)

[@melaniexoxo]

I dont want to even think about the pain that little sweetheart went through in losing that flipper.

[@ronnieroo227]

That poor baby without his flipper, breaks my heart. 💔😢 Thank you so much for preventing so many more of these disfigurements with your hard work. ❤️😍🙏🇬🇧

[@monikajain287]

Love

[@elainedeoliveira5375]

Deus te abençoe 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 muito obrigada 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@yu-fangc5195]

Denzil bringing another pup to you was so adorable. Good job!🥺

[@tomd5678]

It's good that you guys are there

[@chrisbrown8748]

Great job as always👏

[@juliesong4123]

Poor baby with only one flipper, hope he lives a full life! 💕🦭

[@womanofsubstance8735]

Two great saves (love little Gasket, he's quite a cutie) and one with a damaged/missing flipper. Hopefully people won't think that, because "Flipper" can manage as is, the overall problem isn't "that bad." Another great job, guys, thanks.

[@RookLuke]

Great job guys! It's the real deal to save that seal.

[@PeterGriffin-gh8dz]

The first seal is getting used to getting grabbed and released. He wasn't angry at all.

[@john.84]

I am really sorry for that seal GOD bless you and your team

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

The pup managed pretty well with missing one flipper. the one with the rubber gasket was a fast little guy! You guys rock!!

[@auraaurora9815]

So many usual things on this video. So glad the one missing a flipper was doing well. Thanks so much for all you do.

[@furycrh8107]

Aww good job guys well done. The first was so cute like nope I'm ok today no line tangles on me today.

[@ColorMyWorld]

LOL did I hear you tell the pup he wasn't sweet. I had to listen to it twice. Bless you guys

[@encarnasanchez4108]

Gracias equipo de OCN !!! Sóis unos campeones 🏆🏆🏆 Este chiquitín era un auténtico guerrero 🤣 Repito, muchas gracias por vuestra labor 🎖🎖🎖🎖❤❤❤❤

[@QuentinStephens]

I wonder if the seal with one flipper had a close encounter with a shark? Do keep up the good work.

[@lovetrilogy]

No shark in that sea

[@majesticworld255]

@@lovetrilogy in the description it said possibly a shark, very sad all the same.

[@QuentinStephens]

@@lovetrilogy The seas of southern Africa - including Namibia - are reknowned for sharks. What do you think eats seals? Orca and sharks. And Namibia's coast is particularly known for its Great White sharks.

[@lovetrilogy]

@@QuentinStephens in Namibia thwre are pink shark are gay and vegetarian

[@Goodthoughts276]

God bless ND take care from seals

[@tuffgirl922]

Yay! 2 resue/relieves, added with an update exam of a prior rescue/relieve. Throw in the bonus of seeing a young pup adapting successfully to a lost flipper, banner day!!

[@lmae989]

Crazy crap in the ocean. So sorry for the pup but it looks like he is surviving- bless you all the the seals. And thank you! 🙏🦭🦭🦭❤️🤗👍

[@AC-qz3uj]

So now they literally come for help to you! Well done!

[@skyedaisy4007]

Hope the seal with one flipper is doing well. Thanks for the rescues.

[@KatsCats2619]

Good job guys!!!poor seal with a flipper missing very sad😢thanks for helping these wonderful seals👍💙i wish you had a seal sanctuary it would be perfect

[@lunkis3233]

Poor baby ☹️ and all the others suffer because of humans.. Thanks for saving them ❤️

[@user-jl2tb1jx3b]

Этот, с резиновой трубкой на шее, сам пришел ))) и так спокойно постоял прежде чем убежать )) ❤

[@grottorabbit]

That last pup was a feisty one! The One-flippered seal was the awwww moment though! Two more great saves #OceanAngels 😇

[@pepeboy234]

That little seal, although reluctant, must have had a hunch that you could help him...and he was so happy that you did!

[@marie2274]

Funny you have patients waiting to be helped. Also the one missing a flipper wanted to show you. I'm beginning to think they know your kayaks..Chubby again, maybe he is big boned.

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

Amazing rescues and unusual injury to that poor seal 🙁💖

[@jeanninetamblyn7625]

That poor little one that lost its flipper, I hope it goes on to live a good life. The last one seemed to come to you, even though it was scared witless, to get help. So cute.

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

Please visit our website www.ocnamibia.org to find out more about our work and how to support us. 🦭🦭🦭

[@doyouwanttogivemelekiss3097]

Amazing, what they manage to survive! Also love the feisty one that doesn't know whether he wants help, fights it, gets help, and is a bit confused thereafter 😄

[@doyouwanttogivemelekiss3097]

Also it's great to see the long term impact of your work

[@rockyavalon3712]

Your merch looks good!

[@straytarnish9443]

Little seal got away from the big bad sharks and lived on. :)

[@doyouwanttogivemelekiss3097]

@Molly McCullagh If thats the species ( en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_fur_seal ), then they are "least concern" w.r.t. extinction, i.e. I don't see the need to capture/reproduction. On the flip side: that doesn't mean we don't have to care about them - they still feel pain like any other mammal, and they deserve better from us

[@louiseboutin4266]

Thank you so much for your amazing work and dedication.

[@Lovemissmaya]

Awwwww that poor seal! This is one of my favorite channels ❤️

[@WillaHerrera]

Poor little baby. Crazy how animals compensate. His body was kind of bent to help distribute his weight to the left flipper. He got along on the sand exceptionally well. Thank you guys for keeping up the amazing work helping these puppies 💓❤💘💗

[@isao-gv1yh]

毎日、動画ありがとう。感動します。英語でなくて、ごめんなさい。

[@MysticDesertBreeze]

Translation: Thank you for the videos everyday. I am impressed. I am sorry it's not in English

[@christinevigeant5756]

Love you for your effort, I adore your cause!! Keep up the good work and let no one put you down!

[@robbabcock_]

That first rescued pup was feisty! Hard to say about the pup missing a flipper/leg- could certainly have been an entanglement or it could have been a close call with a shark or Orca.

[@tubehound8]

Thank you. Strange that most of the rescues want to bite you for your good deed. Stay safe