What to do if you find a stranded marine animal

Firstly, here’s what not to do. Do not attempt to pick up the stranded marine animal and put it back in the sea. Seals, in particular, will leave the water if they need to rest. Chasing one back into the sea is not only cruel, you could actually kill it if it is no longer able to swim.

Seals that wash up on Durban beaches are thousands of kilometres away from their home range, and may be exhausted or injured.

Remember that marine animals are wild, and one that is stranded may also be under considerable stress. You may be badly bitten if you attempt to touch it.

Finally, it’s against the law for members of the public to handle or rescue stranded marine animals such as dolphins, whales, turtles, seals, sea birds, penguins and whale sharks, as many of these species are endangered or threatened.

What you can do

1. Contact the relevant authorities – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the KZN Sharks Board, uShaka Marine World, or the SPCA.
2. Give the exact location of the animal and its condition (alive, dead or injured).
3. Keep other members of the public and pets away to prevent further stress to the animal.
4. Keep the animal cool by placing a wet towel over its body or use an umbrella to protect it from the sun. In the case of a dolphin or whale, be sure not to cover the blowhole. Never pour water onto a dolphin’s head as it may flow into the blowhole and cause drowning.
5. If necessary, prop the animal upright by digging sand out from under the flippers and tail.
6. Seabirds that are unable to fly can be placed in a well ventilated box and left in a quiet, dark place until help arrives.

Source: SPCA – Durban & Coast