Poisonous Spike Pulled Out Of Seal's Throat

A natural, but dangerous situation for this large seal bull: he has the tip of a spike from a catfish stuck in his throat. The spike is poisonous and can lead to dangerous infections and possibly death if not removed.
The rescuers struggle for a while to restrain him enough to work so close to his sharp teeth, but eventually, with the help of a specialised hook removal tool, they can pull it out and release the seal bull. The spike seems to be barely bigger than a large splinter for this big seal.
How did the spike get there? Seals sometimes eat catfish if they are hungry and brave enough. If the catfish fights back, the spike can get stuck like this. 🦭
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Please visit our website to find out more about our work and how to support us:
➡ Website: www.ocnamibia.org/
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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.

[@TheKrisg50]

How in the world did y’all see that little spike from a distance?! Well done, indeed!

[@jt1364]

Binocs

[@realityjunky]

@@jt1364 I'm a birder, so I get it. But geez, this is homogenous. The field of view is just brown mounds, so I'm guessing the search image is for whatever doesn't look like a brown mound. Like a grain of rice in a pile of potatoes.

[@LithiumSurfboard]

I agree. Just being able to see the spike is amazing.

[@kerylcooper2314]

Thank you for your kindness 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼👍🏼🍀🇺🇸

[@billfielder3646]

My question too.

[@juanjosedelpinorivas7099]

To see a spike in a foggy day against dark fur, that's really incredible. The seal was quite calm and the restraints work really well, keeping the seal in place and protecting the rescuers from dangerous bites.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

After watching hundreds of videos, I'm convinced they have super powers! It's mind-boggling that they spotted that spike! 😳😳😳

[@chuckybang]

Or binoculars but it could be super powers in some bizarre world

[@janethompson2305]

How does a spike get into the seal.? 😢❤

[@Rainmaker6302]

​@@silverlakegirl907811:50 AMEN 😇🙏‼️

[@jacquelinemiller5823]

From a catfish​@@janethompson2305

[@USA-REIGNS-SUPREME]

GOD Bless this TEAM dedicated to restoring HEALTH & LIFE to GOD'S CREATURES😊🙏 Ahmen ❤️❤️❤️

[@realise6]

I get tense when the team is on high alert like this because the danger is so real. You put everything in place to do safely what was needed, for the seal and yourselves, and you did it. Great, great job.

[@patsmith5947]

Me too I sit on my bed and watch these rescues and I’m so tense just like I’m helping them. I feel emotional right along with them.

[@realityjunky]

@@patsmith5947 Think how much more you'll feel that way if you donate just a few bucks toward equipment. You can still watch from bed but you'd be participating!

[@anitasyvalahti1730]

@@patsmith5947 My feelings are same, but i sit on my chair at the laptop.

[@katherinesills3852]

Amazing!!

[@katherinesills3852]

You bet I will be donating when I graduate in May 2025! This is an amazing opportunity and as a biologist I want to contribute.

[@lindac6032]

Naude, your bare hand in the net near a poisonous spike with no room to maneuver really makes me nervous. Thank you for risking it to save the seal, though.🦭🙏

[@lindac6032]

Naude: "He shouldn't have as much lifting force when he's on his back." Seal: Oh, yeah?! (Proceeds to almost buck off Antoine, Wally and Denzil.) 😉💪👍👏

[@c.harvey2424]

I guess even seals do sit ups!

[@lakehuron7733]

These poor seals face enough dangers from other animals--catfish, sharks, hyenas...etc. Shame we have to add to their plight with our hooks, nets, packing straps...etc. Thank you all as always for your care and dedication to saving these seals--it is truly inspiring! Heal quickly and swim safe big guy.

[@Dave_Cymru]

I loved it when the seals came back out of the sea to watch, I found that quite endearing! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@strongmermaid4651]

How in the world could you see such a small thing? That was amazing

[@realise6]

Exactly what I thought. I figure they know seals so well by now that any little thing out of place is noticed by them.

[@RadDadisRad]

Binoculars

[@annm4833]

This was my question too. OCN can not only run at lightning speed but has incredible vision as well!

[@carschmn]

Binoculars, a spotting scope, and practice.

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

That's right!

[@ellenschneider7787]

Wow all the bells and whistles were brought out for this rescue. Complicated rescue to highlight the many tools needed in this one So glad that you have them for everyone’s safety!

[@jasoncarswell7458]

Big bulls are especially dangerous. One is stronger than 2 men, and somebody would be going home with missing fingers if he got his head loose.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

Yes indeed! That extended beak plier worked its charm!!!

[@solarnaut]

Indeed ! Apparently they keep multiple sets of eagle eyes in their kit ! B-)

[@ellenschneider7787]

@@solarnaut 😅😂👍

[@sandyyuen2172]

They are wonderful........

[@nadezhdanadezhda1340]

blind operation, surgeons of the highest category! Bravo!!! 👏👏👏. Операция вслепую, хирурги высшей категории! Браво!!!

[@bkm2797]

Amazing Teamwork! I had no idea catfish can live outside of freshwater. Thanks for saving another gorgeous seal.

[@bkm2797]

Thinking you would need to ask God why there are catfish in salt water. Sorry, wish I had a more earthly answer. Cheers

[@bkm2797]

I always knew them to live in fresh water, living in salt water was new to me as well. I know they are plentiful here in the United States, also South America, maybe they are just about everywhere. They are bottom feeders (the fresh water variety), not sure about the ones in this video. Cheers

[@lindac6032]

Listening to you all discuss your strategy is so interesting. I like how everyone is always on the same page and everyone's suggestions are considered. Well done! Thanks, guys!🦭👍💪

[@kyrab7914]

Not being on the same page is how ppl get hurt with this 😬

[@03bugeye]

Yup there's no "I" in team

[@mircat28]

They believe in teamwork for the animal’s safety as well as their own. It shouldn’t be a surprise that they do that.

[@kyrab7914]

@@mircat28 idt it's surprise so much as acknowledging the effort and work put in. The guys work together so well by now that it's virtually seamless, and that shows how much work they've put in together

[@realityjunky]

We are at our best when we work together. So hey, why not send them a contribution?

[@hendriklurse6518]

Thank you my heroes for saving his life ❤️ greetings to all 😊🙋🏻

[@kathybell7407]

Fantastic team work guys!! I was really holding my breath on this rescue!!! Thank you all🎉🦭 Washington State🇺🇸👋🏻

[@user-zn6qk7fw9e]

Согласна! Команда- супер!!! Парни крутые! Огромные молодцы! Россия. Сибирь.

[@elizabethbaldt1381]

Thank you guys! You’re angels!❤

[@danshaleboda4817]

I love that you are always so polite. I wouldn’t have such patience as you wonderful guys.

[@sudeshnabasu8061]

The seal stayed so calm, almost as if it understood you wanted to help

[@03bugeye]

100% they know, especially once the entanglement is being removed they figure out they aren't lunch and being helped

[@Paka1918]

Yes, they understand.

[@snorttroll4379]

How do we know

[@sharondonelow5364]

That seal has no idea how fortunate he was to have you guys spot him and work on him that day! Wonderful team work! Thank you!

[@mariamichel9834]

Я понимаю, какой это тяжёлый труд.Смотрю с любовью и наслаждаюсь, вашей добротой.Спасибо ,Вам,настоящие мужчины.❤германия

[@johnk2452]

*_I find so amazing: from SOME DISTANCE --- 100's of yards away ... with binoculars and such --- these guys/gals are ABLE TO SPOT SUCH SPIKES!_* It's but a few inches/cm in length and seems, with it's color, to be camouflaged well against a seal's dark fur. Curious: are you able, from such distances, to spot these details, or, are there other signs of distress that you recognize? [Remarkable. And, of course, thank you for your selfless but glorious efforts; providing a bit of relief, comfort, etc to some of God's innocent creatures.]

[@wordreet]

Bulls like to posture around on the beach, and having your head high gets you noticed by the females, plus, of course lets you see any danger. And that's probably why this barb was easy to see on the animal's chin.

[@patpierce4854]

In that fog, too! Wow!

[@realityjunky]

Maybe God made them but we have to stop endangering them. Send a contribution.

[@boediprasetya2850]

you may observe abnormal body movements, if using binoculars looking for nails on the hairy body is very difficult. especially after the injured animals are identified and when they are about to be caught they move / run among their friends who are the same color and body size Kudos for trying to help. you you are amazing

[@dannesys]

@@boediprasetya2850 A sea of rolling brown potatoes!🥔🥔🥔

[@clwbchbabycakes]

No one outruns ⚡The Flash⚡ Glad the whole team was there for this one!! 🧜🏽‍♀💜🦭

[@karensimons6885]

What teamwork you display!.Everyone focused on the deal and your own safety. And you run like gazelles across vast distances of sand, jumping over rocks and seals going in all directions. Great tools, focus on quickly doing rescue and allowing seal to get back to the herd

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

Several people with different amounts of experience and work perspective discuss how best to carry out a delicate operation in order to not only save a creature but also to "do no harm" while saving it. Congratulations to OCN for being one of the best *working* teams I've seen in action in a long, long time. Seriously.

[@user-hj9xs1zd4q]

Well done, guys that one be happy again soon

[@LoanShoppingExpert]

They need a fast-acting but very temporary sedative. Etomidate is a fast-acting sedative often used for medical procedures and induction of anesthesia. It works quickly and has a relatively short duration of action, making it suitable for situations where rapid sedation is required, but the effects need to wear off relatively quickly. Etomidate acts by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, leading to sedation and relaxation. Its effects typically last for just a few minutes to around 10-15 minutes. Why can't at least one member of the team be trained to administer this sedative? Reply

[@Rainmaker6302]

​@@LoanShoppingExpert11:50 Question ❓ wouldn't the seals drown after the rescue?? The seals head right back into the ocean 🌊😳

[@LoanShoppingExpert]

@@Rainmaker6302 No. The sedative is fast acting and short-lived. The rescuers would hold the seal in the net until the seal is fully recovered. Instead of wrestling with the seal for 45 minutes (in some cases), the rescue takes only a few minutes. Obviously, a sedative isn't needed in all rescues.

[@jobotmang]

Not the same we can say for a percentage of our human doctors. 🎉

[@DavidPerez-xh9og]

Omg . That's unbelievable..you all are amazing. Thank you so much NYC one ❤

[@user-jp6yl3jr6u]

Здравствуйте, вы лучшие, 🤗🙏👏

[@vetagoss9431]

Thanks for all you do for these seals

[@stephaniekelly5792]

ya I shoud do that

[@hannaedwards4723]

Watching how careful you are now with all these newer tools and implements makes me realize how cowboy you were just 1-2 years ago with these big guys!

[@828kae]

That had to have been very painful for that big guy! Thank you OCN for your diligent efforts!

[@chipking6036]

What has been the hardest rescue you have done your team is incredible thank you👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🔝👍🔝👍👍

[@wendi8446]

Nice job guys for such a difficult task. You saved another from a horrible death.

[@user-gm9zd9dg6p]

Браво! Браво ребята.... отличная работа.... ещё одна жизнь спасена! Ещё один бедняга избавлен от мучений! И́скренняя благодарность вам !! Удачи вам, будьте здоровы и всего вам самого наилучшего!

[@elenashlyk]

Я сегодня впервые испугалась!!!! Какой огромный котик... Парни, вы Мега профессионалы!!! Наощупь провести такие манипуляции!!!! Браво!!! Аплодирую стоя!!!!!

[@maggieyake8054]

That was like doing "surgery" on the bull! So glad you got it out before it could cause him problems. Congrats on another wonderful rescue!

[@user-pm6oq3vp9t]

Боже!Бравые ребята!Вы это сделали!Какое счастье!!!👍👍👍😻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RealSoLucien]

Angels of persistence! Strength, Joy and Love to you! Thank you for restoring my joy in being human knowing there are those like you in the world.

[@WDC_OSA]

Amazing work that you managed to keep this bull under control while needing to feel around so close to his face. Thank you for finding the spike in time.

[@susansage7218]

What an ordeal for all involved! Such patient rescuers! Thank you!!

[@KTPurdy]

OMG these kind of rescues are stressful. Amazed that you can spot a spike so far away.

[@mariachanigova4268]

on ho nevidí, kontroluje ho predsa druhou rukou.......

[@janhunt6214]

Superb rescue! I am always amazed at the talents of the OCN team! 💕

[@sheldonrobertson8670]

OCN teamwork in action, great job guys you always come up with the solution!!

[@fannycraddock99]

Some rescues are very difficult and this was one of them. You did an amazing job working 'blind'. Well done OCN.

[@jaylerman7864]

First, incredibly frustrating to watch as it was for you! Secondly, how in the world could you see it through the fog and great distance! Bravo all. Amazing rescue!

[@soho71]

Wow..... that was a big boy! Well done team!

[@nadineharris9966]

Great job OCN, God bless you for helping the seals.👍👍👍👍

[@barbarap5278]

It's amazing how you saw that! Thank you all for all the work you do...

[@mchapman132]

You fellows are amazing. Thank you for your dedication to those animals. 🦭🙏🏻

[@DylansPen]

The very 'bitey areas' are yes to be avoided I would think. Especially with these big seals!

[@nicklager1666]

Not a good sign they are going for the sharks again. Not enough food in the waters. I hope its just temporary. Good job with the rescue.

[@mariannebowman6114]

No matter how you say, all of you are Heroes. God bless you.

[@tinawish9436]

Bravo my friends! Another complicated beautiful rescue!

[@olgayulbarsova3190]

Восхищение и уважение этим спасателям. Удачи вам во всём.

[@Loveoldies50]

Poor creature! It must have been in a lot of pain, and headed to a very painful death. Thanks to all of you, and your dedication to helping these animals, it can now have a bright future. Let’s hope it doesn't, again, get so hungry it attempts to eat another catfish. God bless you and the work you do!

[@annakwiatkowska8882]

Well done guys. I started following your channel for a while now, and the amount of such beautiful animals you saved already is absolutely amazing. Watching you as you work as a team is a heart warming 😉🙂 You bring me back faith in humanity. God bless you all. It is a beautiful job you are doing. 😊👏👏👏👏💖

[@marciasiste4851]

You guys are my heroes! How did you see this little spike in a seal in the meddle of all those seals? Incredible! 😍

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

At first, with binoculars.

[@tonynagy2042]

Well Done!👍 Every rescue has its unique moments. Have a Great day OCN Team 🙏.

[@petragunther4439]

How can mankind thank you? You are my heroes 🙏

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

By reduce both fish and plastic in your life!!

[@albaluzmerycarorojas9678]

Mis respeto a estos valerosos hombres que hacen está labor, ayudando a estos seres que sufren por la codicia y la suciedad humana. El humano cogió un planeta bello y maravilloso y lo volvió una cloaca

[@wonderwend1]

Great to see how you have adapted your techniques over time for the safety and wellbeing of both the seal and your selves. Great job guys

[@michi24580]

Great team effort, perfect rescue. Made my day.

[@tessjones5987]

Medical/rescue triage with all hands on deck. What a great team OCN. How lucky is Nambia to have OCN!!

[@deafahrenbruch1055]

You are amazing, and it was nice to see the patient stay so calm. The possibility of severe bites concerned me, but you handled the situation well.💞

[@Mary-xd1ye]

You have got this down to a science - congrats on removing this tricky spike from such a touchy location. Really well done!

[@yankalu2000]

Not only it would have resulted in death but it would be a long and painful suffering death :( My heart goes to you guys, thank you for saving them! 💖

[@grannybee]

Amazing. This video covers it all. The planning, the strategy, the teamwork, the knowledge and the physical fitness 👍

[@lightandsymbols1111]

As you guys run through the seal herd it is fraught with danger. The seals are only in protective mode but so many warning grunts and snapping mouths. And that’s just the beginning of the rescue. This is not an easy job you do but you do it so very well.

[@jillmadigan9841]

Thank you for helping these innocent animals from human waste. You are the hope for the compassionate future.

[@georgemegaw2925]

After all he OCN videos I’ve watched - and that’s a lot - this is the first one that made me jump back from my monitor early on when the seal bucked hard early on an it knocked Tony backwards. Mad respect for all your tedious work protecting these animals.

[@nancyshaw4681]

Me too!!

[@ironix1]

Great teamwork showing the sort of experience they have gained by having done so many of these rescues already. Well done guys.

[@marieannette6675]

The most struggle I have seen you all have to deal with. Awesome job young men!!! The intensity and determination to save a precious life! ❤❤❤

[@crystalheart9]

Oh wow guys, that was amazing! Great rescue, bless you all and the seals.🙏👣🦭🌊💙

[@bonniehughes9549]

You guys make me cry everytime you are able to save just 1 and how you keep at it until the object you saw is taken off the seal or whatever you come across. Thank you so very much for all your hard work!!!

[@pcbacklash_3261]

Compared to agitated seals you've worked with recently, this big fella was pretty mellow. Except for a few snorts and jerks, he was pretty well-behaved! As always, well done, team! :-)

[@em945]

wonder if it was due to the poison effecting him a bit?

[@fatooshtkd]

I don't know if you guys felt it BUT I was in the video (in my mind) pushing with every fiber of my Brooklyn Being... to help him... SO MANY BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU.. and the seal too... should have had my Namibia tee shirt on...

[@peterchilds2436]

Saying it again wish I could thank you face to face Peter Britain you are all true men my wife and I sad but happy there people like you about so brave kind god bless you all

[@davinacampbell5467]

That was one fairly well-behaved seal for a spike. Great job guys.

[@TXMEDRGR]

That was an epic rescue. Great job, great teamwork.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

My daughter and her friend went to the local river here on the hudson in NY the other day walking our dogs..must have collected 3 hooks and alot of line from the shore. She and friend are both handicapped but they watch your video's and know gods work when seen

[@em945]

That is very cool. (Not the hooks).

[@johannagambale775]

Amazing job! Nobody else could have pulled that off as well as you guys! 🙏

[@samuelstoner5651]

You have become absolutely masterful at these rescues. That was such a good job done with the pliers, even without visual guidance.

[@victoriawilde3475]

I’m recovering from major surgery and spend most of my days surfing u-tube etc. I came across one of your videos and that was the end of my surfing. What a bunch of heroes you all are, I’ve laughed, cried, become angry and every emotion in between. The way you talk to the “puppies” melts my heart, the caring and understanding of these precious furkids pain, both physical and emotional.

[@ullmannone]

You guys have gotten so much better at what you do! You're all incredible, working as a team on such a HUGE seal! Glad to see you have the tools for the job, too. Thank you for posting your adventures saving these wonderful animals. At sunset, I used to watch them doing the sidestroke 20 metres parallel to the beach at Santa Barbara looking for a late afternoon snack.

[@sharlenecrisp5620]

On the edge of my seat guys👍🏼 finally a natural problem. Nasty spike🥺 Great save as always Naude, Wally, Antoine and Denzel💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏👍🏼🇦🇺

[@amylemaster1609]

Wow! How did you even see that from so far away?! Oh, what a lucky seal ❤️ Great job!!

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

At first, with binoculars.

[@sawdust2556]

Oh my gosh! I screamed when he jumped when u put the orange strap on! You guys are so great!💕👍🏻 Wow, you saved another seal’s life! I would have cut my own finger off or poisoned myself instead of grabbing that spike, Naude! You really rock!

[@louannseeram2547]

Always a great pleasure listening and going with u all on your rescues. Keep on saving, helping and educating.

[@GENgn48]

You guys are absolutely amazing! Working in tight area. Seal hissing & snarling whole time! You’re just unbelievable! So very proud there are people like you on this earth! 👍👍👍

[@albussnape2]

Great admiration for how well you focus under stress, and for all the great rescues the team does 👏👍 Stay safe! It’s heartbreaking how very many sea animals are suffering pain and slow death because of human activities and carelessness. Thank you for your efforts to help. 🙏 I’ll try to donate what I can.

[@silverlakegirl9078]

(slow, methodical) 👏🏻...... 👏🏻..... 👏🏻..... 👏🏻...... That was VERY impressive......on all fronts. How in the world did y'all spot that spike in the first place??!!!! What a team....my goodness. Everyone works together seamlessly, as 1. My heart was fluttering the entire time. That seal hit the OCN lottery today!!! Well, well done, gentlemen. It doesn't get better than this. Much love and support from Rhode Island!!! ❣❣❣💐💐💐

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Wow! Great work! 🙌🏽 I can't believe you could even SEE that spike in the sea of seals!! The young bull was quite cooperative, I'd say. 🙌🏽 ❤️

[@sandrastapleton9137]

WONDERFUL GUYS . YOU NEVER GAVE UP. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALL..

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

We don't know how to give up haha, thanks!

[@miminowak7446]

Boy oh boy.... I was holding my breath there. It amazes me how you found that spike...... Excellent work Thank you

[@brendanhodgson9701]

Keep up the amazing work you guys do, i actually love how yous talk about the different strategies and different things about the seals and that

[@vickiware6510]

You continue to amaze me with your rescues, love the videos! From Australia...

[@user-zg9jh1ye8l]

Those beautiful animals start fleeing to the ocean when they see the OCN folks run towards them to protect. Wish God gives the fur seals wisdom that OCN folks are there to protect them. Good luck OCN Team

[@user-fp7oc3ui4d]

Каждый раз когда смотрю ваши видео переживаю за вас...ведь спасая этих замечательных животных,молюсь чтобы вы не пострадали....терпения и благополучия,здоровья вашей команде и вашим спасенышам....из Белоруси

[@haggielady]

Amazing job and team work! I'm in awe, even after two years of following y'all. You just keep getting better and more focused.

[@eyotachenoa3132]

So great you have so many tools to make your rescues easier. I still remember the 1 orange net you had over a year ago. And that's all you had. Congrats on your progress & great binoculars.

[@bethpotts-mee8730]

As usual Team OCN ROCKS!! You are so beautiful & work so hard Thank you. Bright Blessings Always!

[@Nina-vc8mo]

Океан дуже гарний сильний велич дякую за спасіння котіка теж велич сильний вам ЗДОРОВ'Я 🌹🙏🙏🙏

[@geewill]

Amazing catch.. 👏 Glad it was eneventful for all. Huge Thank you ❤️❤️