Fishing Line Nearly Amputates Seal's Flipper

The rescue team from OCN faces one of the more challenging rescues - a seal's flipper is caught in a painful trap of fishing line and wire. The flipper is terribly swollen and shows signs of bad infection and even necrosis. All 4 rescuers are needed to hold him down and carefully remove strain after strain of fishing line and wire. Once the entanglement is removed, blood can circulate again and the healing begins. 🦭
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Please visit our website to find out more about our work and how to support us:
➡ Website: www.ocnamibia.org/
➡ Donate via Paypal: ow.ly/BTm550PIavq
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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.

[@janlamm4799]

If ever a poor fellow ever needed a veterinarian and a rehab center it's this little guy! I hope there is some circulation left. Thank you for helping him.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

Yeah that looks like gangrene. It probably needed an amputation. But they don't have the resources there. Here's a copy and paste of the symptoms : blister, blue skin from poor circulation, dark scab, discoloration, or ulcers

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@Bryan-Hensley Death By 1,000 Cuts. I've seen some seals without a flipper and they were looking good. I hope this poor pup won't lose his. What you're saying is correct. The tragedy of that would be ineffable. Let's hope for a miracle here.

[@photonotavailable7936]

My thought exactly!

[@id10t98]

@UCOV9PD7ggAy7cY0h-BLfYcw It's Namibia, the money isnt there for vets and rehab centers and I can guarantee you none of the fishing boat companies will chip in for it...😔

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@id10t98 I would imagine the fishing vessels contribute a large about of the garbage and fishing lines. The team members try to identify the materials, after removal. Many are commercial fishing lines, hooks, and netting. Quite a bit of recreational lines as well. I would really like to know the statistics from all the entanglement removals. I'm sure that they collect as much data as they can. This team is way too efficient for them not to. In any event, it's such an atrocity that these poor animals are so cruel and severely punished, for a crime they did not commit. It makes me sick to my stomach.

[@mlhart3741]

What an intense rescue... when Tony said to the pup, 'Don't cry' it was like he was talking to me - because I was absolutely in tears by then. Thank you, OCN team, as always, for your amazing, courageous work! 🥲

[@steven.h0629]

🌺🌼🌻🌸🌹

[@judithmcbride4023]

How CRUEL can one be??? To do carelessly throw away that Horrible Mess of line!!!😣😣😖😫😡🤬🤬🤬. GOD BLESS each of you for releasing this sweet animal from this INCREDIBLY painful line!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🦭🦭🦭👏👏👏👏😢💫😘

[@Fantic156]

Professionalism, speed and compassion, what a team!

[@FnLn55]

If not you, who? If not now, when? Proud of you all Team OCN!

[@debbiepoole2247]

I was crying along with the seal at this entanglement. I can't imagine the pain he must have been in, and we moan about a paper cut. We'll done OCN.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

I feel like I need to go to church after all the swearing I just did. I'm sure if that seal could talk it would have been screaming bloody murder. Just imaging a person with that around their arm, almost severing it off, how crazy they would be! I could barely breathe watching that entanglement getting cut off. It made me shudder. I was thinking how its luck just changed with so many caring and loving hands upon it. I won't ever forget this one. Thank goodness the Salt Water Pharmacy is always open for business. I hope and pray it doesn't lose its flipper. Seal Whisperers, you're all blessed with extra-large hearts. I cannot express the gratitude, respect, and admiration for all of you. I wish you all Godspeed.❣❣❣👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏

[@kenrk]

That was hard to watch, poor little guy. A shame there isn't a wildlife vet there to help with a case like this, not sure that much necrosis can be reversed. But at least he has a chance now.

[@thetessellater9163]

It may be that once the infected necrotic area gets blood flow again, he will suffer sepsis and not make it, I hope this is not going to happen, but he has a chance to live.

[@hendriklurse6518]

Thank you Naude and Team OCN for saving him ❤️ I hope his flipper heals 😢 greetings to all 🙋🏻😊

[@TheFelifa]

der arme kleine Kerl... tut mir in der Seele weh... 😢😢Hallo Hendrik... 🙋🏼‍♀️😞😦

[@LifeJUSTLife]

I can't believe there isn't a volunteer veterinarian who can help out in cases like these. That would be a great help. You do your best, and that's clear. In certain situations like this though, it would be a great help.

[@TXMEDRGR]

That poor, poor seal, I hope he makes it. Thanks for giving him a chance to live.

[@clwbchbabycakes]

It would be SO tempting to just carry this little one back to the water. Just thinking about her trying to run away on it almost brings tears to my eyes. 😭

[@ejedwards1678]

If you have to carry him he wouldn't make it. Better to carry him off to a facility but they don't have one.

[@clwbchbabycakes]

@@ejedwards1678 There are NO facilities there - that is why these people are volunteers doing this work. They can only untangle, not administer medicine or aid.

[@karenacton3854]

That is absolutely horrible!! You can see it’s painful for him as he squirms so much…..poor baby, I hope he makes it 😢😢😢

[@secret3957]

Poor puppy. You need so many hands for freeing entanglements like this, I am so happy you have a great team who all share the tasks and work together so well. Bless you guys.

[@Yanquetino]

😭 Thank you for rescuing this poor seal from a dreadful fate!

[@lindac6032]

I almost cried when he ran away from you during the chase. The immense pain he must have felt to follow his instinct to get away no matter what...! 🦭😥

[@marshwetland3808]

Not as bad as the pain of the initial cuts, which required pulling the lines up on top and into the wound on the bottom. I can't imagine the agony. I would have fainted.

[@susanstarling7543]

The rescue team are real heros.Kudos for all the many acts of kindness you preform for the survival of these helpless animals devestated by tons of plastic thrown in

[@paquilo99]

Poor seal, that wound is really bad😔 I hope he recovers 👍🏻🦭

[@caracortage3270]

Hoping is cheap, it costs nothing, but is offending.

[@gambog6684]

Poor pup, how long has he been suffering for his flipper to become so infected and swollen. Guys, you have given that pup a chance to at least recover and live happily. Bless you OCN.

[@cyndy812]

One more thing I'd love to say. Thank you for always educating us how much crap we put into our oceans, and by your group putting this out trash that truly. Please keep up the great work your doing for the oceans wildlife!! You all are hard workers, and I have the utmost mad Respect I have for All of You, thank you for taking us along. Have a great day!!

[@lindac6032]

It's so sad to think that the pup was in so much pain, he was crying. But thankfully you were there to free him and give him a chance to heal, and grow up to live his normal seal life. Well done, gentlemen!🦭👍👏

[@1tuffcookie689]

🥺 Well done guys👏🏽

[@susanstarling7543]

I think about all the suffering done to aquatic life with the release of Mylar balloons for special memorial and Birthday events.I cringe every time I see one televised . Someone needs to tell these people the damage they are inflicting on innocent sea-animals. Ignorance is not always bliss for all living things.Especilly when they wind up wrapped around the flipper of a beautiful struggling sea turtle -fighting for its life.We can do better for all the living things we have to interact with, for our and their survival .

[@jenniferjohnson1627]

I could hardly watch.so sad.poor little pup in so much pain. You guys stuck with him Thank you for your love and help for the seals. Amazing guys. Well done.

[@joebill3400]

Not all heroes wear capes. Wish I was there with you guys to give you a hand…

[@sharronhelms3660]

What can I say? There are know words to say to describe how mad🤨 I am for whoever is responsible for all these nets or some kind of entanglements these seals get into.l pray that little pup😞will heal and have a great seal life.Thanks OCN for all you did for that precious seal❤❤ Stay Safe out there❤🙏

[@susanstarling7543]

We are ALL responsible. Everyone of us who carelessly throw straws or otherplastics anywhere but a recycling bin.It isn't always the other guy.Sometimes it is ALL of us.

[@lanieburkeholder8331]

This poor seal! I get so angry at the commercial fishing trade and the regular fishermen who have no regard for what their horrible nets and lines do to the sea life that cannot protect themselves! The situation is so sad 😭😔. Thank you for what you guys do for the seals. Your compassion for saving these seals is so wonderful. You guys are awesome!🥰♥️ THANK YOU!!!!

[@richardbidinger2577]

I hope he's going to be OK, that flipper looked really bad. I know you guys don't have a vet to help out, but maybe you could find one and convince them to volunteer some of their time, especially in a case like this one. Even a vets assistant could be very helpful.

[@jitendradixit3749]

Yea i am also agree plz arrange one vet.🙏🙏🙏

[@srcastic8764]

At least the ability to give an antibiotic shot would be a great help.

[@jitendradixit3749]

@@srcastic8764 even a spray can help a lot.🙏🙏

[@chriswar535]

@@jitendradixit3749 spray wouldnt help as would wash off in salt water. Sea best remedy when u not got a rehab pool

[@jitendradixit3749]

@@chriswar535 yeah u r right👍👍

[@traida111]

I love how they were all watching you at the end. One seal was looking at the patient and then looking back at you.

[@CallieMasters5000]

Well done, OCN team! Everybody did their part to make this go as fast and easily as possible.

[@harrycurrie9664]

I noticed that too.

[@828kae]

Thank you OCN for your compassion and tender care when freeing this "puppy" from its entanglement. Be well and live long!

[@user-ug6tg9iq7h]

Amen, may God bless the team members with good health 🙏 ❤

[@patrick43078]

This rescue really had me on the edge of my seat! Your surgical skills with heavy gloves, sand and wriggling patient are amazing...

[@sarguero]

Never a SUPERLIKE was fully deserved like this. Horrible wound but OCN doing the best for the seal as usual. Thanks team! 😊

[@lujeancastleberry7310]

Hurts my heart have you ever seen him again thank you so much

[@AniFam]

Oh, poor seal… the wounds are so serious… Thank you for saving the seal~👍

[@wendyjansen2272]

Just listening to this baby's cry, I can only imagine what pain he was in. Thank you guys for your dedication to the rehabilitation of these gorgeous seals. 🦭🦭🦭May God continuously bless the work you do.🙏🙏 ❤ you guys 💙

[@t-mac2791]

a simple pair of wire cutters is the tool for that job, no need to lift the line to cut, Great work guys...

[@Bryan-Hensley]

Send them some. They take donations

[@gerhardstrydom5249]

A compassionate rescue by the Seal-team! 👌👏

[@cinderellie9583]

Theres not words to express the amount of relief and encouragement you all gave to that guy! You guys are priceless!

[@starflyer3219]

Constriction wounds become more painful as the swelling and necrosis sets in. When it's gone this far, there is no relief.

[@cinderellie9583]

@@starflyer3219 wouldnt the presure and the salt of the ocean bring healing? Either way having the constiction off of the sore spots would be quite a refreshing change for the poor thing

[@ernestocastellotti722]

@@cinderellie9583 No salt water from the ocean cannot cure this, because there is nothing to cure the tissue is dead the only thing that can be done in these cases is amputation

[@dabailey1000]

That was probably the most heartbreaking one to date. I pray he heals and goes on to live a good life. Thank you so much. You are truly seal angels. ❤️

[@jchrystsheigh]

"It's very stinky as well." Tony bringing the smell-o-vision

[@tommytube268]

I think nature will get him better. Great teamwork and compassion for these innocent animals.

[@JesusDiaz-ej6hd]

It is very sad to see these seals suffering like this. Just unacceptable. I do not what these poor animals would do with out your program and great support. Thanks guys

[@theheartland1861]

I hope any pain the poor seal was feeling after release, goes away quickly, and the seal makes a full recovery. Thank you for this very good save. The people from OCN are the best👍👍

[@caracortage3270]

Cheapest comment so far.

[@realise6]

Keeping my fingers crossed this little guy makes it. This rescue got to you all, I could hear it in your voices. You did great and gave him this chance to heal and live. Well done and thank you.

[@fannycraddock99]

That was heart breaking. Poor pup, I hope that he heals quickly. You were all so gentle with him. Thanks for saving him as without you he would have died.

[@Odonanmarg]

He might still die.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

@@Odonanmarg yeah gangrene needs urgent care to stop the spread of the infection. They probably make things worse by release all the dead blood back into the body. But what are their choices?. At least they made it more comfortable most likely.

[@WDC_OSA]

@@Bryan-Hensley That's horrible, and I hope it isn't true, but it sounds like what'd probably happen. I hope there are other things that we aren't considering that helped the seal get better after this rescue.

[@Greentrees60]

I too was concerned about that, and maybe muscle death. Not sure what else they could have done, especially without a rehab center

[@Bryan-Hensley]

@@Greentrees60 I'm not sure how well seals tolerate gangrene. They might handle it better than humans

[@Littlebit31]

Can I just say, your compassion toward these gentle creatures is what makes watching these difficult rescues bearable. This was the first time I have cried and some of the emotion was based on the demeanor and seriousness in which you approached this rescue!

[@ThuyNguyen-ec1rb]

We love you all , love Tony and how gentle careful he handles the injury seal God bless you

[@judyfeuerbach4199]

Poor puppy! That was so awful. So thankful for your team of heroes.

[@ralphtravis1960]

Your compassion while trying to help seals is overwhelming. Talking softly, stroking (reassuring touch) and concern if the seal will survive is testament to your dedication.

[@cariwallis1806]

At least he still had some strength! Hopefully the salt water will help him heal! I can’t imagine he would have survived much longer, it would be hard to get your food! Thank you guys!

[@christianm1533]

You're not human if you can't feel that pain. Poor thing. I hope he gets to keep his flipper.

[@Paulster2]

Dang guys ... I was all in on this rescue ... dang if it didn't hurt watching it. I hope the little guy doesn't end up losing the flipper.

[@chriswar535]

Oh what a horrible tangled mess. Poor little pup. You are an amazing team. You needed all hands with this rescue. You were all so gentle yet so efficient. Dont cry, mm I was almost crying when I saw how danaged his flipper was. Thank you thank you for perseverence & speed cutting away all the entanglement. Now pup stands a chance of survival. Thank you team for all your hard & very strenuous work, caring compassion & also the emotional impact some of these rescues must take out of you. Thank you, take great care & keep safe. God bless & protect each of you.

[@stephenknob7540]

I've been watching your vlog for over 1 year now. I'm continually impressed and so great full for your efforts to rescue these poor animals who are so victimized by careless humans. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@ratagris21]

Great work. The seal eventually relaxed enough to realize that the OCN team was there to help him. Great team work. 🎩♠️☯️🏁

[@michi24580]

Poor pup. What a naughty entanglement. I believe s/he will recover in the saltwater but without your help s/he would not survive. now s/he got a chance. made my day

[@Ranchorita]

I love how gently you all handled his tender flipper. Bless you for your sweet and loving kindness to these creatures!

[@sk-wx1cf]

Oh -- i was so tense watching this. What a terrible entanglement 😢. Excellent rescue team! Thank you so much for helping these seals!

[@patriciawilson1836]

I can't IMAGINE the pain this precious little soul must have experienced. Blessings most grateful for your heartfelt efforts. You have our hearts.💓💛💚💜💙

[@JL11775]

That was intense! Poor thing. You guys worked on that flipper so gently. Well done! 👍

[@CRColombia]

Poor baby, it breaks my heart, thanks for everything you done guys 🙏❤️

[@pjglory3348]

That was a tough one to watch. You guys are angels!

[@chrisking1900]

I watch you Guys every day. You are ALL amazing. Keep up the good work.

[@sherrysmith4996]

You guys continue to amaze us with your skill and compassion. You are the most amazing team and I wish you all well.🙏❤️

[@2pie2mash]

Hi OCN..... this capture and release is a good example where you could tag and monitor this pups recovery and travel pattern........again as you know it is a shame this one could not be taken to a rehabilitation centre ........superb release technique and team work as always.......the little guy has a chance all because of your commitment and dedication....Thank You ! Stay Safe as Always Team OCN 🧡

[@lindac6032]

Thank you so much for so carefully and gently handling the flipper during the release. The seal must have felt better with Tony holding his "hand". 🦭🙏

[@dlmsarge8329]

You guys are truly the dream team. Your determination and caring , the expertise and skills you've developed and your ability to get us to understand the important work that needs to be done not just on the beaches but in our legislatures and government houses.

[@finscreenname]

Man, that was a mess. Great work as always folks!! 👍👍

[@BradiKal61]

OCN deserves the donations and funding that could provide a rescue facility to treat some of these rough cases. Consider sending OCN some money to help with their work or at least buy some merch!

[@ramblynrocketeer]

Gotta say when you tell the seals they’re _going to be okay_ 👌 it brings Big Smiles 😃 Mahalo _thanks_ for your continued efforts to make this world a better place!! ✨🦭✨🌍♻️💛 🌺⛵️ *He Lā Maika’i Loa!!* _Have A Great Day!_

[@hendriklurse6518]

Aloha 😊 Pehea 'oe?

[@ramblynrocketeer]

@@hendriklurse6518 Maika’i wau 🌦 Since the volcano 🌋 eruption in Tonga, the sunrises & sunsets have been spectacular!! Thankful we were not hit by a tsunami ✨ the surfers loved the huge swells 🏄‍♂️🌊 Pehea ‘oe?

[@hendriklurse6518]

@@ramblynrocketeer I'm glad that you were not hit by a tsunami. They are very destructive 😔 maikaʻi wau, mahalo 😊

[@nafiset6855]

Низкий поклон Вам . Спасибо за Ваш нелегкий очень нужный труд.❤❤❤

[@SB-000]

Poor baby! I hope he is doing well now!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

This one made me shudder. Poor guy. Thank you for giving him a chance. I hope he makes it.

[@tergar1]

Omgoodness, poor animal. 😢 Thank you for helping him. God bless you guys.

[@shirleylaboy603]

Poor Sweet baby I hope he recovered. I can't imagine the pain once he was free of the tangled mess from the blood flowing back into his flipper. Thanks guys you did awesome trying not to cause further pain when removing that mess. 🙂❤

[@lu.w.991]

Ребята Мир Вашему дому. Здоровья счастья удачи. Спасибо Вам за Ваше благое дело.

[@such_kna9041]

Thank God OCN group found this puppy on time. U saved the puppy from loosing its flipper. Great 👍

[@barbaracranford8589]

You guys are so kind and empathetic toward the seals. It is heartbreaking to see the wounds, but heart warming to see how you work towards helping them.

[@HuseyinSahin-rx9zb]

Thank you very much for helping these animals.

[@gillbrown3523]

Poor puppy, it must have been so painful for him! Thank you guys for being so gentle and removing it. 🥰

[@nomebear]

We've seen line do this to seals many times. I recall the team working on a female whose rear flippers were compromised by line, maybe permanently so, an image I won't forget.

[@suelydesouzacorreia7323]

Parabéns ao grupo, Tony é um grande querido. Abraço.

[@coffeefrog]

Poor thing! Thank you so much!!!

[@Kat69nh]

So nice that you rescued him!

[@grannybee]

I literally cried. Thank goodness you guys discovered him. Well done 👍

[@Nakul__Sanatani]

Hope the flipper of the seal will heal as soon as possible 🙏🙏🙏 thankyou all brothers for doing this wonderful and auspicious work everytime 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@crystalheart9]

Guys, great work on this heartbreaking entanglement. You were so gentle and careful while removing all those lines, great work and thank you.

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

you guys are truly like field medics! I have never seen an infected flipper like that. that poor baby! Thank you for saving him!

[@ninoellison7793]

Unbelievable! 😢 Great job guys! 🙏🏻

[@geewill]

Terrible Terrible entanglement... So happy that you were there and found him.. Thank you so much.. made my day.. :)

[@Efthimia18]

We're all crossing our fingers here for a fast and fulr recovery, buddy! Thanks team!

[@Nina-vc8mo]

Отличная работа смотрю затаив дихание за вашим трудом еще одному созданию природи повезло спасибо ребьята ви умеете приносить радость и нам и котикам🙏

[@alenastl6518]

Вот где бы я сровела с удовольствием свой отпуск. Двойная польза, и для меня и для котиков 🏃🦦

[@user-zo6yd2oy7m]

Огромное, земное спасибо этим молодым парням, которые делаю такое полезное , доброе дело. , спасают животных попавших в беду.

[@antonipietkiewicz2962]

Best wishes ☺👍

[@roku3216]

The care you guys show the pups gives me faith in humankind's potential.

[@user-rg4nt5eg6l]

ВАШ ТРУД ЗАСЛУЖЕВАЕТ УВАЖЕНИЯ!!! ВЫ ОЧЕНЬ БЛАГОРОДНЫЕ ЛЮДИ!!!

[@MrYurikaranda]

Спасибо за вашу работу!

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

Wow, that was horrific. I hope he survives that wound!!

[@wendybeer6955]

This poor seal.Thank you for helping free her.Hope her wounds heal.

[@CMarie-bx7ty]

That poor puppy was in a lot of pain but after you all cut the fishing lines & set him free I'm sure he felt better. Thank you Team OCN for the heroic effort❣

[@tatiananuzhna519]

Люблю смотреть вас, как вы гоняетесь и спасаете котиков! Спасибо родные!

[@carinabusegeanu4335]

You do such an amazing job! Thank you so much for your care and effort! If more people would be like you this world would be a better place. Bless you!

[@zaz4667]

How sad! That one made my arm hurt watching it! Thanks Ocean Conservation Namibia for Bringing the seals back from the brink!

[@alexnik888]

Ребята здоровья вам и удачи.