Seal Rescue - Cape Town Edition

Naude and Antoine went to South Africa on OCN's first international mission - they spent the last week in Cape Town to connect with local seal rescue activists to exchange knowledge and to finally meet some of the people they have been dealing with for the past 2 years.
At the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre, they could put the OCN rescue net to good use when they managed to rescue 2 seals from fishing line. South Africa's seals also belong to the group of Cape Fur Seal, but the OCN rescuers were not sure how differently they would behave.
It was a great opportunity to connect to other rescuers, and we left our rescue net in the care of the rescue center, hopefully it will save many, many more lives in the future! We would like to thank the team from HBSRC for allowing us to visit and for welcoming us to Cape Town. We make each other stronger, and together we will rescue seals - one at a time. 🦭
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please visit our website to find out more about our work and how to support us:
➡ Website: www.ocnamibia.org/
➡ Paypal: [e-mail]
➡ FAQs: www.ocnamibia.org/faqs
Follow us on social media:
➡ Instagram: / oceanconservationnamibia
➡ Facebook: / ocnamibia
➡ TikTok: / oc_namibia
➡ LinkedIn: / ocnamibia
➡ Twitter: / ocnamibia
😊 Thank you for every like, share, comment and subscribe 😊 🦭
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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
➡ Donate via Stripe: ow.ly/Xy1F50PIMzQ
➡ Support via Patreon: / ocn
➡ FAQs: www.ocnamibia.org/faqs
Follow us on social media:
➡ Instagram: / oceanconservationnamibia
➡ Facebook: / ocnamibia
➡ TikTok: / oc_namibia
➡ LinkedIn: / ocnamibia
➡ Twitter: / ocnamibia
😊 Thank you for every like, share, comment and subscribe 😊
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.

[@christinebirch7906]

That wet deck looked more dangerous than the sand they are used to but well done everyone again.

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

That is right and the close quarters were not helping!

[@linze1928]

@@OceanConservationNamibia thank you for doing this 💯, ♥️ from🇿🇦 Cape Town

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

There were love bites coming at them from every angle .... and the upstairs too 🤣😂

[@FnLn55]

Naude -- you kept cool in tight surroundings -- you are an impressive leader!

[@sherrysmith4996]

The best 💯👍

[@lorrainedsouza2808]

Do train more ppl to do this rescue work.

[@lorrainedsouza2808]

You guys are really doing commendable work! God bless you all!

[@silverlakegirl9078]

Thank goodness the Salt Water Pharmacy is open 24-7 for treatment!!! That was a terrible cut! It's unbelievable how a tiny piece of fishing line can cause "Death By 1,000 Cuts" to an unfortunate seal. What a crying shame. That video was awesome! The open mouth of that big bull going towards Naude made me shudder! As my vet once told me, "Anything with teeth can bite", is a constant reminder how dangerous it is to rescue seals. Even the pups can do serious damage. All the more respect to those who put that aside and do the needful to free them from entanglements. I never watch a video just once. I watch them all several times to really get a good feel of what's happening and made sure that I don't miss any nuances. Thank you, Seal Whisperers, and all others that continue such gallant efforts to save these beautiful animals. I am completely enthralled with what you are all accomplishing, no matter what shoreline you're on. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@araelenecaletti1665 the statistics of plastic and assorted trash in our oceans is absolutely astounding. Shame on us. We aren't good stewards of this beautiful planet that we certainly don't deserve.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@araelenecaletti1665 same here. Many stores now sell sturdy, reusable shopping bags. I use them myself. It would be a different world if everyone did their part to protect our planet and its resources. Education plays a crucial part.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@araelenecaletti1665 I'm smiling now! I wish everyone would think that way! Sometimes our good intentions are seen by others and without saying a word, you prompt them to do the same! 👏👏👏

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@araelenecaletti1665 Before I saw the videos from OCN, I didn't even know that this problem existed! I was stunned at the pain and anguish these poor animals suffer because of human ignorance. Education is crucial because once you know, you know, and if you have an ounce of empathy in your heart, you will be prompted to do your part to end this ineffable tragedy.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

@@araelenecaletti1665 yes, I have seen that as well. All of marine life suffers and dies. Humans have left a trail of destruction in the air, sea, and land.

[@gambog6684]

Working in a confined space mega scary especially with a couple of huge seals staring you down. Great work guys.

[@ginnidog504]

Я из России, вы от меня далеко, но я всем сердцем рядом с вами! Вы сильные, мужественные, добрые. Настоящие герои!

[@nicklager1666]

Great work ocn. Doesnt matter where you are in africa you are kings either way.

[@Yanquetino]

Tough to work in a closet! I commented in Patreon.

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@maggpiprime954]

_Whooooooo!_ This was a tense one! That big guy falling over the corner of the dock did not look ready for it! And the wood looked slippery with whatever scat stained it, hauling up a wriggling seal midair, and... yep! Lots of stuff going on! I hope you all had a well-deserved pint at the end of the day!

[@yamnjam]

I laughed so much at the one seal who fell off once I realized he did not hurt himself. It was so funny and cute.

[@PeterPaul175]

It’s clear that Naude and Antoine understand the seals way better than the boys in Cape Town. As Naude said, a big seal could easily take his arm off, and it looks like one of them almost did. Incredible bravery, and great skill.

[@marieslabbert6009]

I can only imagine the smell there! I once came quite close to a huge bull at the Cape Waterfront and that was overwelming. That makes each rescue so much more commendable! 👏👏👏💞💞

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

It was an interesting mix, that is for sure!

[@scatteredsightings]

Welcome to my hometown OCN. Thanks for helping the locals.

[@jessiepearson338]

same^^

[@Pyle81]

Working in this confined space gives you new respect for doing this work on the open beach.

[@nataliasarna8276]

I just want to say thank you for saving these poor animals. We need more people like you guys. You're heroes

[@Biffo1262]

I think the net method is less painful for the seal. Tugging at a deeply embedded loop with a hook must be very painful.

[@chrisoffutt8968]

probably depends on how sharp the hook is. the one shown here seemed to be a little dull and likely wouldn't have worked on a deeper entanglement.

[@zorkmid1083]

Yeah, the dull hook method may work here with relatively, loose simple entanglements, but tight (not to mention cutting) entanglements, gill nets, and messy entanglements are much more difficult. The earlier hook which had a sharp blade along the inside might be better.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

Naude, if you're reading this, you definitely are the poster man for the "NO FEAR FACTOR"!!!!!

[@ramblynrocketeer]

Collaborations are the BEST 💛 Wonderful to see all the efforts to saving these seals! ✨🦭✨ *He Lā Maika’i Loa!!* _Have A Great Day!_ 😎🤙

[@hendriklurse6518]

Aloha and have a nice weekend 😊☀️

[@ramblynrocketeer]

@@hendriklurse6518 Mahalo 😁 Hopefully your weekend is relaxing & pleasant 🌄🌠🌞

[@hendriklurse6518]

@@ramblynrocketeer thanks 😊 it is 😊 I'm relaxing after a long week and enjoying the sun ☀️😊

[@ramblynrocketeer]

@@hendriklurse6518 🤞🙏☔️💦🌧 Still wishing for a lot of rain here!

[@hendriklurse6518]

@@ramblynrocketeer I'm sending you some rain 🌧️🙏 we have more than enough this year

[@SharpLady53]

Thank you, Teams!🌈

[@sil9800]

OMG Naude! How did you keep your cool when that huge mouth came at you from the side at 3:54??? Good lord, I would've lost it! 😂 What an amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures! ♥️

[@dcwander7092]

Sil: Fortunately, seals are defensive creatures. Anytime an animal bares its teeth, it is a warning. Had that seal wanted to attack, it was within attack range. Looks like it was saying, 'I have teeth. Let me by.' Well, either that or the seal got kicked aside during the part edited out.

[@janethompson2305]

​@DC Wander Why would U even put something like that on here.?? U said "maybe the seal got kicked when the recording was edited" 😢 OCN wouldn't do that, they L🦭VE THEIR 🦭 🦭 🦭 ❤❤❤ IT'S SO VERY DISHEARTENING TO HAVE READ UR CRUEL ACCUSATION 😢 💋🦭 LONG LIVE OCN 💋🦭🇳🇦🦭🇳🇦🦭🇳🇦🦭❤😮 L❤NG LIVE THE 🦭 🦭 🦭🇳🇦 🌊 ❤

[@sitandfish]

Did anyone else notice that Naude's hand was shaking from adrenaline at the end of the video holding the scissors? Maybe it was just ME shaking. That was tense! And Naude stayed cool for the whole catch and release. The team really have their stuff together. 👍

[@tabby73]

Yes I saw that. Maybe he hadn't eaten enough. Pulling that seal back up must have been hard work!

[@darg1720]

Very tight area. Was worried how you would succeed. You are all outstanding. Bless you all.

[@lindac6032]

Naude:"I rather want him to move first..." Tony: "Show him the net...he's gonna go..." Bull seal: Yawn... Great job in a confined space, guys! Thanks for your dogged persistence!👏🙏💪🦭💙

[@sharonbrown6595]

Haaaaaaaaa so funny

[@gillhughes8785]

Wow... That was a close one..a few times! Just as you were getting your lad in the net that bull turning to you showing his dentistry off..then the puppy free diving off the board in the net-thought you were going with him. Totally different to your usual, but shows the expertise with such adaptability. You guys are just bloody amazing. Keep safe guys 💜🇬🇧💜

[@steefant]

I am imagining when dueling an actual dragon, Antoine would still try to calm the "little puppy" down first :D

[@stevenfoster5217]

Does anyone else watch these on their phones then move the phone around trying to help catch them? 😆

[@dianemoonstone4715]

And I tilt it so I can see more from a different angle. 😏 🤣

[@nonnyena4267]

I watch mine on my laptop - but i catch myself leaning into the screen to "help" spot the pups, curling my toes in the (non-existent) sand to "help" get purchase to brace when they're netting the seal... And holding my breath with the seals -- i've _no_ idea why. And the thing i'm constantly reminding me that _none_ of this helps as 1. i'm not there and 2. this is _not_ real time.

[@battles146]

🤣

[@mircat28]

My butt cheeks tighten right.

[@TheCyberMantis]

"The big seal doesn't bite..." ( yeah, his teeth are just for looks )

[@battles146]

🤣

[@shandidyland1867]

I think this video perfectly shows how well your team works together. It is like a dance. The other people were trying to help, but you and Antoine know exactly what the other needs to do to free the pup from the entanglement. Thank you for teaching others and educating us all. ❤️

[@Itsjustme-Justme]

That small, wet, wooden deck looks more dangerous than the seal's teeth.

[@staycurious0815]

indeed! One Seal slipped and fell into the sea (4:01) when the other was caught in the net. I hope, he was not hurt

[@sophiar6996]

I almost had a heart attack watching this one!!! OMG great job guys!!

[@withsapphires]

You all are angels!!!! ❤️🥰

[@cynthiafritze7418]

Seals and teeth and humans everywhere and a slippery deck. Fraught!

[@fannycraddock99]

Gosh, that was different! That deck looked more dangerous than Cape Cross!

[@DavidPerez-xh9og]

Stay safe out there my boys .happy Sunday and thank you so much NYC one

[@palatina6626]

Can't believe they let you so close. That was an incredible rescue. Two happy seals!

[@Paula-jl6uf]

Working with your trusted team is second nature, but working with others is mega stressful. Fantastic job in difficult circumstances. Well done.

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

Much appreciated! 🙏

[@ladybug91969]

Oh my goodness….I was on the edge of my seat! Wonderful work Naude and Tony! You’re an extraordinary Blessing everywhere you go! Thank you! Love Love Love OCN 🦭❤️🙏♻️

[@wolfman3295]

Great seals rescues to all involved!! Thank you all!

[@SunnyBloxOG]

Whoa!! That was intense! That was an amazing job. How funny that they thought the big seal wouldn’t bite. Naude said, “He’ll take my arm off!” 😆

[@Luzitanium]

4:00 i hope that seal is ok, and didnt got hurted with the fall, as I see rocks under it :(

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

He is fine, there are no rocks underneath.

[@MrSuperBrite]

@@OceanConservationNamibia Good to know. I was laughing at him, he was so dramatic.

[@BandOfHarjaps]

International Seal Rescue!

[@bho5sumkyul]

I hope you will have your own rehab center someday, OCN. It's really great to see wildlife rescue organizations sharing knowledge and techniques with each other.

[@Aiko2-26-9]

Going onto the deck when the seals started to run one went right for Naude! I really thought Naude's prophecy would come true and his arm would be bitten off. Good job, everyone. A great success.

[@GradeBmoviefan]

Bravo for this two Team collaboration! Awesome job! 😎👍 ~Sharon

[@HuseyinSahin-rx9zb]

Thank you for helping these animals.

[@raymondrak961]

The OCN team had a unique experience today. Of these 2 methods used to remove plastic the hook is quicker but less reliable and more dangerous to the team. The net requires more effort but allows the team to be thorough and the results speak for themselves.

[@cleopatra5682]

Bloody brilliant collaboration by 2 brilliant teams 😃🦭 bloody marvellous! Bravo 👏👏👏👏

[@tomkatf]

Wow... What a dangerous and chaotic situation!!! Great job!

[@rhondagoldberg8419]

Great teamwork HBSRC and OCN; two more lives saved! YOU ROCK!

[@l33jcm]

Spread the word!

[@terrybittenbender6667]

In slow-mo I thought the one seal was coming at you with mouth wide open, but you were focused and snagged the seal! Bravo to all!🙌🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@realityjunky]

But seriously, this was one of the most terrifying episodes ever!

[@hendriklurse6518]

Thank you Naude, Katja and Antoine for saving those two south african fur seals ❤️ thanks for sharing this wonderful video ❤️ greetings to all the fans and members of OCN 🙋🏻😊 and wishing you all a nice weekend 😊☀️

[@TheFelifa]

🙋🏼‍♀️😊

[@wendywright-dowd1841]

My cries for these beautiful animals receiving such deadly injuries 😢 😞

[@williamstephens9945]

This is going international!

[@Dunno513]

The look on that poor seal as he realizes he’s taking the fast way down... 4:01

[@timl.b.2095]

Yeah, I worried about that one; hope it was just water below, not structure.

[@aburguesiafede3912]

Amazing work God bless everbody🙌

[@michaelsmorenburg-writer8480]

Francious used to treat these like pet dogs. They'd be in around his feet barking at him and he'd just push them out the way. It was uncanny how he could work with them.

[@1956Bluedragonfly]

Thank you for showing Cape Town. I enjoyed this adventure. A little tight but y’all did a great job as always.

[@1958indyfan]

That had to feel like working in an RV shower.

[@sherrysmith4996]

🤣🤣🤣

[@elizabethholis237]

That made me laugh 🤣

[@wingmanforce2055]

Earth's best seal rescue team!!

[@reyb1649]

Cape Town seals appear more dangerous than Namibian seals. 😂

[@jlet7327]

Wow, did that ever feel claustrophobic in that small space. It is good to see the country cousins and city cousins learning from each other. Those hooks seem promising!

[@lass-inangeles7564]

I think your field work Naude and Antoine, has taught you much more than any book learning or watching others do it. You know exactly what the range of behavior is from the seals. These folks seem to have limited knowledge of behavior under stress and not experienced in catching them. I could be wrong. However, it is so nice that they have this facility to rehab and release seals! Bravo all around!!!

[@stickshifter8]

Wow! That slippery deck is really challenging. Close quarters, big bulls make Namibia look like a stroll on the park! Good job guys, you are the best!! Love your channel, such a feel good vibe!

[@patriciawilson1836]

Again a tribute to your adaptability and resilience. You can accommodate the gift you share to make the world a better place. Now the cape seals will begin to know and love you as we all do. Blessings to your new-found colleagues as well.

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

Thanks so much!

[@tessjones5987]

Thanks for taking us along on this adventure!. Really cool.

[@geewill]

My God your dedication to helping the beautiful creatures is Admirable. Thank you❣

[@francissantos7448]

Two in one rescue. Absolutely fantastic.

[@l.b.5892]

Well that was a hair raising experience 👍 Another rescue well done 🥰

[@renkip3518]

Were there any difficulties dealing with Cape Town seals compared to the ones you rescue in Namibia? The place shown in the video was pretty cramped but nonetheless you guys pulled through! Kudos and thanks for the continued seal rescue!

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

It is different. These seals are more accustomed to humans than the ones we have in Namibia but the setup itself is very hard to deal with.

[@zorkmid1083]

@@OceanConservationNamibia I can imagine! I'm not even sure if the net tricks will work here, if you're going to catch them on that dock. What happens if, when catching a big seal, it falls off the dock? I don't think the net can take much of that. Not to mention there's very little room to maneuver the seal, if it needs to be seated properly.

[@artfuldodgers]

Bloody hell Naude, that was a bit touch and go!!! Great rescues as always

[@stevemccormick4938]

like flying an airplane, hours of boredom followed by a few minutes of chaos

[@jasonpatterson8091]

"My seal/dog doesn't bite." Such an unhelpful thing to hear - almost always precedes me and my dogs being attacked by someone's unleashed pet. (The dog version, not the seal version, clearly.)

[@FulloutPostal]

honestly, when I hear that, I'm even more cautious... no responsible dog handler should ever have to say that. if your dog is in a position that this information is relevant, you are doing it wrong

[@awright119021]

@@FulloutPostal and you don't know what your dog will or won't do in every situation. If someone asks me, I always say I don't know she doesn't talk to me about that.

[@FulloutPostal]

@@awright119021 true to a certain extent... your dog does talk to you, just not with words ;)

[@lisachaput2952]

I was concerned about that one big seal opening his mouth running straight at you, while trying to net the little one. Then that one fell off the deck. All in a few seconds

[@juanjosedelpinorivas7099]

At least three bulls went right besides him super fast. He was watching the ones on the right ignoring the three or four seals behind him. They are really noble, only running and trying not to bite unless it was completely necessary. I guess they are adapted to the rescuers there so they more or less know they are there but they don't harm them.

[@Taavieemeli]

Looks quite trickier than at pelican point, withe the narrow space, and slippery dock! 👍

[@gardengnome132]

Two incredible rescues in what looked like very hazardous conditions! Naude, you have nerves of steel.

[@albadiaz6180]

Hard work boys!!🐳

[@jchrystsheigh]

I like the hook for simpler entanglements like that one. Certainly seems less traumatic for the seal.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

Yeah, Tony made a good, seemingly easy catch on that one. 👍

[@moonstruck562]

@3:53 and he said they don't bite? 😟 Neude, I'm glad you still got both your arms! Whow this was a closed call. Such an intense rescue but your tactics were brilliant once again resulting in success. Great job, you and Tony nailed it!! 👏👏

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

So close! Thanks!

[@paulrollings9606]

Great video upload. A different scenery. Interesting to see how these seals adapt to new settings and environments. Untangling the entanglements in this particular setting appeared far more difficult due to the lack of space and slippery floors. At least with the beach you have space and sand. Amusing to hear you report that the "big" seal won't bite but you were not taking any chances. You're a wise man. The teeth on those seals are seriously sharp and they have such strength. Again, it's great witnessing you guys treating these seals with so much care and respect. Great work guys. Thank you for sharing.

[@dvet91]

That floor looked like it was as slick as snot. Couple that with a small space and a gate that doesn't want to stay open or closed. The cherry on top is the fact that those seals wanted to hold their ground instead of moving out of the way. Just "another day at the beach" for you guys. Excellent job!

[@Slikx666]

Lots of nice clean teeth on view from the seals. No Dentist needed. 👍☺️

[@RichardCampbell_DotNetRocks]

Wow - those Cape Town seals are far more habituated to humans. You could see them trying to communicate with the people there, mostly saying "hey, stay back, you're getting a little close." Although in this case, a little close is within hook reach. I notice the hooks are very thin and small... all the more to keep the seals comfortable while you're in reach. You're able to cut the entanglement without really moving the seal at all. Compare this to the seals up on the coast, who don't recognize humans as threats when you stay low and slow, but always run to the water when you stand up. The net capture approach provides more reach and counts on the motion and direction of the seal to secure them. The two systems make a lot of sense in the environments, and with the seals, that they were designed for. Great work!

[@kelly_1111]

That was intense.

[@michaelcoelhojr6851]

Such a concentration of heroes in one place! Inspiring

[@john.84]

Hello guys You are a great team, and I'm glad to see you share your experience Keep doing GOD bless you

[@AzzaYCF]

What always impresses me is how calm all your rescues are. Must really help to keep the animals calm. 🙂

[@lbris7779]

Great catch Naude. You and Antoine are so proficient. They really seemed excited to have witnessed your manoeuvres for the rescue. 👏 👏

[@js5999]

Excellent team work! Cape Town rocks!

[@supershane1960]

Definitely a different scenario working in that confined space…

[@FREQQLES]

Love the seals just chilling in the back after watching everything.

[@chrisfinta4941]

So sad 😞. Great job guys 🙏🏻👍❤️✊

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

Just another day at sea oh seal

[@robinmills8675]

That was exciting!

[@user-so3ho6uw1h]

Который упал вниз, надеюсь он не ударился🙊Ребята, ну вы смелые!!! Будьте пожалуйста осторожнее🙏🏼

[@geewill]

Once again.. Huge Respect and Thanks for your Tireless rescue work. ❤️❤️❤️

[@JohnDoe-ki6fm]

OH my gosh.... right at 3:54 looks like a disaster about to unfold! So glad you guys weren't hurt.

[@user-uc4nr3lp5r]

👏👏👏💐from Odessa, Ukr. 🇺🇦

[@deenichols491]

You guys can adapt to any situation!! Great job fellas..

[@TheMadManPlace]

Houtbay has the beginnings of a "swim through" care center. ;>} Good job guys - and welcome to the Cape.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Dear OCN. 👍👌👏 Extremely well done again and as always (rescue work and video). Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all of you (including the seals of course).