Watch: Rare elephant seal spotted at Palmiet Beach: Public urged to keep distance

A rare visitor at Palmiet Beach near Kleinmond after an elephant seal came ashore to rest. Officials are urging the public to keep a safe distance and allow the animal to remain undisturbed Beachgoers at Palmiet Beach near Kleinmond were surprised on Sunday night by a rare visitor when an elephant seal came ashore along the coastline to rest. Authorities say the seal may remain in the area for several days if left undisturbed, although it could also move on within a short time.

The Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental and Conservation Management team is monitoring the animal’s movements and may erect temporary barriers if needed to protect both the seal and the public. Overstrand municipal manager Dean O’Neill urged residents and visitors to keep their distance, stressing that the animal is wild and potentially dangerous. “This is a wild elephant seal and it is capable of delivering a serious bite,” O’Neill said. “We urge the public to respect the animal, not to get between it and the water or between the water and its resting spot.” He added that dogs should be kept on leashes, children must be supervised, and beachgoers should remain quiet and at least 20 metres away from the seal at all times.