Rope Chokes Seal

A horrible sight for the rescuers - a piece of rope has choked a seal to the point where his head had doubled or possibly trippled in size. He could barely walk as the rescuers approached him.
Naude suspects that the rope did not come from a boat but was rather left behind by beach goers, possibly to tie up a tent or gazebo. Namibia's beaches are a popular hangout spot for families. But anglers are not off the hook - most beach goers take their tackle box along to try and catch some fish - in which case the rope could still be linked to fishing after all.
We do sometimes wonder if we would be out of rescue work if there was no fishing industry. 🦭
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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.

[@CUThereVirtualTravel]

That poor animal! He was wheezing quite badly even after he was freed from the rope. Thank you OCN for another great rescue. I hope the seal recovers well!

[@juniekalu9340]

😢

[@Kingdombuilder5-Deborah]

@@araelenecaletti1665 All the more reason why what they did should be greatly appreciated & applauded 👏🏾

[@Kingdombuilder5-Deborah]

@@araelenecaletti1665 Thank God these rescuers don't think like you do because you have no way of knowing how long this seal will live & even if it doesn't, which I'm praying it does, it still should be given at least a CHANCE to live 🙏🏾

[@dakotajaymes8580]

@@Kingdombuilder5-Deborah I'm not sure if I missed something- maybe a comment was deleted- but I believe she was agreeing with you, and not challenging you or questioning the work of the OCN. Sometimes things that are put into text are misinterpreted. Just my thoughts, though. Have a great day!!

[@hereandthere6001]

its breath takingly sad what we humans do to animals, thank you for what you do OCN.

[@ellenschneider7787]

That poor guy looked like he was hours away from being strangled to death by the rope OCN to the rescue once again 👍

[@pippa3150]

They are doing all they can. We should too.

[@deborahpelletier1157]

I LOVE how the one rescuer always offers words of comfort and kindness to the seals 💕🙏🏼

[@jujuoliver6959]

God love him. Poor little soul. Hope he makes a full recovery. Thank you for every single rescue you carry out. Heroes.

[@SirPembertonS.Crevalius]

God I can't imagine having something so tight around your neck it both cuts and limits breathing, and you just can't take it off. You guys are incredible people helping these seals.

[@paolo-7365]

Beware of translations, call the Seals : seal (sigillo) What does it mean padlock) seal, in italiano foca.

[@FlashyJackie1]

Oh this is so heart breaking! Thank you for saving this innocent seal from a slow agonizing death, not all heroes wear capes!

[@wildnfree101]

Yes, I think they caught him/her just in time. The seal had only a day or 2 left.

[@m6666]

@@wildnfree101 if that 😥

[@dakotajaymes8580]

Not all heroes wear capes- some heroes carry nets and scissors.

[@paolo-7365]

A me pare proprio che questo pescatore F.J.1 inizia sempre i suoi commenti con "Oh" e sia molto sarcastico ed elusivo in quello che vuole dire. It seems to me that this fisherman F.J.1 always begins his comments with "Oh" and is very sarcastic and elusive in what he wants to say.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Horribly entangled and in serious distress. I could hardly breathe myself. Thank you for what you do❤️

[@arielsea9087]

I could barely look. Thinking about this poor animal’s suffering. Glad he was helped.

[@opsatr]

Yeah. I guess I was subconsciously holding my breath watching... I had to pause and take a deep breath to continue.

[@paolo-7365]

Okay., it hurts to look, but all this sensitivity is useless, in the sense that if you, who hold your breath, should casually help an injured animal in danger of death, it scares to think that in times of need, you do not breathe.

[@CognitiveDissident.]

I find myself sitting here apologizing to these innocent creatures. Thank you all so much for caring enough to help.

[@janeencalaway1862]

That was painful to watch but as always you were gentle, caring and careful not to hurt the seal. This is one world class rescue team.

[@paolo-7365]

A me risulta che siano in Namibia. 🇮🇪

[@janeencalaway1862]

@@paolo-7365 sorry, my app wont translate.

[@paolo-7365]

Janeen C. Strange usually the Google translator responds to all languages,it automatically comes out "translate to English" in your case maybe you need to update the KZbin platform. However, I said that as far as I know, O.C. operates only in Namibia.

[@janeencalaway1862]

@@paolo-7365 Thanks 😊. I received their email newsletter and most recently they went to the skeleton coast for the 1st time ever. They stated they didn't know they would be able to release some of the footags because what they found was so horrible.

[@patshelby9285]

@@janeencalaway1862 That is a terrible thing to hear. But there is hope in the growing awareness and responses, even among fishermen and their suppliers.

[@Il-Siciliano]

There just could NOT be a more timely rescue than that one! God Bless the OCN!!

[@thekatt...]

Agreed 💯💯

[@petebarnesTaiChi]

You've heard this so many times but ..... THANK YOU guys for rescuing that poor seal and the many others.

[@linvin18]

Hope he makes a full recovery 🙏 Thanks to you Guys he stands a chance.

[@tergar1]

I believe you saved this wild seals life! Thank you, guys!

[@dtiydr]

No doubt about it what so ever.

[@swansong5263]

This was heartbreaking, that poor dear seal, You are all amazing and I salute you.

[@1929modelagirl]

When all the rescuers are shocked . . . I rarely hear Naude get that upset. You people are simply amazing, every single day.

[@maeterith1984]

I held my breath watching this. Thank you for helping these poor beautiful creatures. Humanity has a lot to answer for.

[@justkerry173]

The difference in his pace once that rope was off. Great work guys

[@mike747436]

No question you saved this one's life. Well done.

[@mareeweir1784]

Lucky day for that seal. That’s your reward for all the help you give to seals. So much satisfaction in a rescue like that

[@pippa3150]

Was that poor baby wheezing/whistling trying to breathe as it ran? OMG. It broke my heart. Just before Naude said it, I was thinking the cool water would make him feel better. I mean how much longer could that sweet baby have lived? Days? Hours? Thank you all so much for saving these beautiful creatures. And our planet. 💗💗💗

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

Not long, that is for sure.

[@scaredsilly1982]

This rescue made me cry! What an Amazing thing that you are doing, Saving these babies!

[@wendi8446]

This was just heartbreaking. Saying thank you just doesn't seem like enough.

[@J24J]

That poor baby! The agony he had to endure is heartbreaking. Thank you for saving him! I hope he fully recovered. ❤

[@billthomson7468]

Unbelievable entanglement, poor seal must have been really suffering badly. Amazing work you guys are doing, so dedicated. Thank you.

[@GenMaster124]

This really was at the point of life or death !……well done guys 👏🏻👏🏻

[@jescollo]

Man, I’ve said it before but these rescues have to be extremely gratifying. I can’t imagine how good it feels

[@effaroundfindout]

The next best feeling is donating what you can to their cause ❤

[@jeanmansfield9230]

I'd love to help them for a month.

[@cherylbarton1825]

God bless you guys for saving that beautiful baby from sure death. It's awesome to watch y'all doing all you do for those beautiful babies. 💘

[@marjoriecoulsoncoulson2582]

Hopefully he will heal well without further complications. At least he has a much better chance now.

[@daemon9737]

Found myself holding my breath until the rope was cut. Can't even imagine what a relief that was for him. What a GREAT rescue!!

[@hendriklurse6518]

Thank you my heroes for saving his life ❤️ greetings to all 😊🙋🏻 and wishing you all a nice weekend 😊

[@battles146]

a nice weekend to you also, Hendrik!

[@hendriklurse6518]

@@battles146 thanks 😊

[@Pumpkinnan]

What a dramatic rescue! To hear that seal take a deep breath when you cut that rope was just sobering. Thank you OCN for the speed and gentleness of rescuing this seal and giving him a chance. And yes, I think the cold water will certainly help bring that swelling down. Well done…and sorry for the 💩Wally! 🦭❤️

[@lanapeterzon9055]

Just a little workplace hazard. (lol) I'm sure we've all had the 'pleasure' of stepping barefoot in poop. But it's such a minor inconvenience when compared to the sobriety of their mission. I vaguely remember when Tony stepped in some too. Seal poop is such a small item compared to the dead pups that they have to avoid when running.

[@sheilaperl4155]

Poor seal, thank you for rescuing him and giving him a chance to recover and live!

[@anonymousbyname1121]

Careless humans have no idea the repercussions and impact on their careless behaviour has on other innocent living beings, not only millions end up as a result of roadkill but even our oceans are not safe for them, this is truly heartbreaking. Great work guys, you’re the best!

[@marilynrowland5197]

That sight was breathtakingly awful! Thank you for spotting and then saving that poor seal! And thank you for never giving up!

[@haggielady]

That poor baby wouldn't have made it another day. Thanks guys. Another life saved!

[@melissastreeter22]

These lads have to be the most fit people on our planet. Love hearing their gentle lilt as they talk and strategize. Great collaboration.

[@georgeoothoudt7358]

I don't even have to watch to know that you are doing something incredibly kind and difficult. Doing the right thing for the right reason. Your group is such a blessing.

[@carrieholdthemaccountable]

This is so heartbreaking 💔 to see! All of you have such a huge heart ❤️

[@dorisbrady4093]

Thank you for all you do. God bless each and everyone you!

[@andrewbaran661]

He was out there on his own... Thanks for helping that poor fellow 🙂 Many Thanks! You saved his life... And returned his liberty...

[@angellahunt4097]

I love watching how passionate you are about these seals you are what the world needs

[@crazycat22]

Heartbreaking to see how much discomfort he/she was in, hopefully they will recover now they are free of that awful entanglement, well done lads another great rescue 😁🇬🇧

[@evastanley1026]

How come you guys dont put meds on the cuts? For iffection?

[@JenJeanette]

that poor seal, that's brought me to tears, thank god you were there for him/her

[@philomeenalernihan2477]

These guys have my utmost respect, the kindness they show to these poor animals is so unbelievably touching, much love to you all

[@rhonda7070]

It's so awful when they can't breathe, and such a relief when you free their breathing. You guys are great at making their terror as short as possible.

[@Jennifer-1010]

No words just tears thank you for saving him Your hard work save lives Bless you all 😇😇😇😇🇬🇧

[@skyedaisy4007]

Heartbreaking. Thank goodness you found him again + saved him. Wonderful to see him take a big deep breath after you cut the lines. Great work guys!

[@mrniceguy6986]

Thanks to allow the people that help all these animals that are suffering mad respect and love keep they amazing work up you guys ❤️

[@valanderson9739]

You all are heroes!! Thank you for saving these guys!!

[@annielue7252]

Moving hearts. One at a time. Thank you OCN

[@user-qb2os6nh5z]

[@shawnakenton9682]

May that poor seal heal fully with quick recovery! Thank y'all for saving all these precious sea animals!

[@user-tp1hf1wf4j]

Как же страдает животинка.. Всей вашей команде, ребята - большое, человеческое спасибо. Сил вам и здоровья!

[@drfrancoischabaud7538]

Dieu vous protègera toute votre vie pour ce que vous faites...

[@dw4100]

God bless you

[@Nyokicat99]

You guys are absolute angels. I have never ever seen a group of more selfless people than this. Thank you for helping these beautiful animals live another day.

[@illuminant1129]

That was absolutely horrible - the poor thing. Thank you so much for saving him 👍👍

[@CassDee]

Thank you for reacting this poor seal from ultimately suffocating. Real heroes carry scissors! ❤

[@LisaLikesPhotographySanDiego]

oh, my heart breaks for all the seals. Thank you for rescuing them.

[@CMarie-bx7ty]

That was sad for everyone to watch. That poor seal. Great job OCN Team. Thanks for caring & saving those beautiful seals♥️🥇

[@kristinb5121]

I doubt he would have lasted another day. This rescue really shows the importance of your consistent daily rescues. So often in the nick of time.

[@coffeefrog]

Thank you so much for giving him another chance at life!!!

[@mustangsupersnake7848]

God bless your hearts, rescuers. You guys are true heroes.

[@gillianclough]

Aww,poor thing. So glad you managed to catch him. Please keep your eyes open for him so you can possibly let us know how he’s doing. Great work as always.xx

[@isabellebaudin5240]

😱😢 It must have been so painful ! Thank you for him.

[@sophiegeorge2816]

Thank god for people like you I hope he survives and grows to have a long life and pups of his own

[@wendyh3891]

Thank you for rescuing this precious seal! ❤❤❤

[@user-zu3mz2zl1j]

Парни, примите благодарность от человечной половины людей! Ваша работа весьма полезна, избавления животных страданий!

[@elainejohnson4352]

I love ❤ how you guys are so kind and concerned for these unfortunate seals. Always . how Antoine trys to reassure them, that they are being helped. I just love the compassion of you guys. Thank you for all you do ! 🙏❤🙏

[@gardengnome132]

Beautiful comment, I echo every word you wrote.

[@ZarpeParadise]

INCREDIBLE!! Your persistence totally paid off with this traumatized seal. Another day and I doubt he would have made it with that swelling. You guys!! You are such Heroes! 💕💕Much Love to You ALL! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@yvonnebeavis1751]

OMG, how awful and sad. Another life saved. Lots of respect and gratitude to you all, thank you

[@alvinazwetzich955]

Спасибо большое вам добрые люди за спасение братьев наших меньших ❤️

[@ferrioni9871]

👍🏼❤

[@camillak8256]

Мне порой кажется что это они наши старшие братья, мы тупые, что мы делаем с планетой?? Как жить следующим поколениям? Скоро на нашем шарике не будет места для жизни, один мусор.... 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@rizj]

You can even hear the seal panting as trying to run away. Great rescue!

[@user-qb8dr2ht6x]

Молодцы ребята,вы делаете хорошее и доброе дело!!! Здоровья вам!!!

[@user-qw8vz9ef7e]

Плакала...невозможно это видеть...какие же они молодцы, самоотверженные

[@traceycrawford9938]

The poor seal!! Hope he can recover. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@donnaezell2161]

I am so grateful and appreciate the work you do. The seals are given a chance to recover and prosper. Thank you.

[@dannymbass]

Again, great job saving his life. Cannot wait to see your daily videos from South Louisiana

[@cindih243]

Thank goodness you saw this poor darling, he looked like he was suffering so badly, now he's free thanks to you, you are hero's in my eyes! Thank you so much.

[@juliehenry8641]

You are all animal heroes! Thank you for helping that poor seal. I gasp when I saw his swollen face. 😢. Poor guy.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Truly noble work. Thanks to all you heroes.

[@hemalatharamachandran3421]

Your team has really helped him survive and wonderful to have spotted at the right time.

[@doyoubelong2Him]

There should be more people in this world like you guys. Thank you!

[@Hesaves28]

Awwww, so so sad! I was holding my breath for her.Thank you so much for what you do!! God bless and keep you all!!!

[@senyagwynn8121]

Omg!! That poor baby!! Thank you so much for saving this wonderful creature!! You all are true heros!!❤❤❤

[@bho5sumkyul]

How traumatic it is to be choked like that.... Very well done, OCN! Now the seal has a second chance at life thanks to you.

[@lynngreene1993]

Too many tears on that one!!!! Oh the agony!! I felt every step of that rescue 😣😢 poor poor bubba. Hope the healing is fast and pure ♡♡♡

[@LordBloodySoul]

That poor thing! Please, people! Stop leaving your garbage everywhere! Glad you managed to save this one! That choking breathing was chilling!

[@GalliaUchiha]

It's heart breaking that this happens to these babies, but I'm always amazed by their tenacity and will to live. They are amazingly agile despite being twisted up in all this trash.

[@cinder7183]

Horrible. I cannot imagine the effort it took to just remain alive. I hope someday you see how much I admire and respect how much you do for these animals. You truly make a difference in their chance to just stay alive.

[@chriswar535]

That poor seal - he will have such a thumping headache, hearing him being able to breathe was a relief. Thank you so much guys for releasing him from being strangled. Praying he will make it & be able to eat well & recover from the trauma. Thank you so much guys. Keep safe Keep well & you also recover quickly from any trauma you encounter.

[@robertwhite3503]

When people were stretched on the rack, it was obviously painful but I think I read it was worse when the tension was released. I imagine that the immediate effect on this seal was quite horrible, but offset by being able to breathe. I guess within a day it was feeling much better. Probably a week before its muscles stopped complaining but not enough to prevent hunting. All amateur speculation on my part.

[@muriel8922]

@@robertwhite3503 k

[@markgoodman240]

You guys are incredible, not giving up on the poor seal by coming back to rescue it.

[@pj8624]

You rescuers are awesome! Saving the lives of many of those amazing beautiful seals!! If only the rest of humanity could learn from what you do, and apply it to loving and caring about human beings!!! Thank you!!!

[@islaburchell-gray3048]

Thanks for what you do OCN. Hope that guy will be ok.

[@lu.w.991]

Больно смотреть на раны животных. Ребята огромное вам спасибо за спасение животных. Мир Вам и Вашему дому. Здоровья счастья вам и вашим близким.

[@nely26]

Your work is so meaningful. Thank you so much for everything you do for these animals.

[@Alizorba1]

Thank God for you guys 💕

[@jeanninetamblyn7625]

OMG that poor baby. Thank goodness you guys got him and removed that entanglement, saving his live. If you can, I would love an update. Fantastic job, guys. 💜💙🇨🇦

[@mizabel539]

I am amazed at the resistance of these beautiful animals to human stupidity. It gives me great comfort to see them free from this stupidity and back into their lives, and for that they can only count on your help. May God Bless you, always and More, with good health and the collaboration of donors, etc... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Receive my hug and my admiration, from here in the extreme south of Brazil! 🤩🤗💝🙌🙏🦭🦭🦭🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@mizabel539]

@@araelenecaletti1665 🥺

[@dianebode6551]

You guys are awesome. Thank you for your dedication and courage.

[@Hindrenaline]

You guys are absolutely amazing! Heroes, thank you ❤️

[@slvstorky2]

Wow, that was a tough one! His wheezing sounded bad and his head was so swollen. Thanks for giving him a chance to recover and thrive! Great work team!

[@carolehardcastle5935]

Thank you so much for your work. As much as I get out of watching the rescues, I love hearing you guys talk to the seals.

[@starsunpark108]

Thank you guys very much for your unbelievable service! May God bless you guys forever! 🙏 💕

[@thekatt...]

Amazing ! That's one lucky seal to run into you guys . Thank you ❤🇨🇦👍🏅