A Call for Responsible Engagement with Cape Fur Seals
CapeNature would like to shed light on a matter of growing concern within the region, especially the areas surrounding Cape Town - human-wildlife interactions, specifically those involving Cape fur seals. While these marine mammals are an integral part of our coastal ecosystem, the increase in human activities and tourism in areas in which Cape fur seals frequent has raised significant issues that demand our attention.
The picturesque shores of Cape Town have become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking an encounter with Cape fur seals, which are the most accessible of our marine mammals. However, it is crucial to recognise that these interactions, when not approached responsibly, can have severe consequences for both humans and seals. Activities such as petting may disturb their natural behaviour and expose individuals to potential dangers, including bites and scratches. Even in instances where a seal pup is found on a beach, people should avoid interacting with the animal, but should rather contact competent authorities who are trained and equipped to rescue and care for such animals.
Moreover, feeding or luring seals for entertainment purposes can lead to dependency on human-provided food, disrupting their natural hunting instincts and nutritional balance. CapeNature would like to emphasise that these actions are not only harmful to the seals but may also constitute a criminal offense. Engaging in activities such as petting, feeding, luring, or any form of abuse of seals for the aforementioned purposes is strictly prohibited and can result in legal consequences.
To foster harmonious coexistence between humans and Cape fur seals, we encourage the public to practice responsible wildlife viewing. Admiring these incredible creatures from a safe distance ensures the well-being of both parties and contributes to the preservation of our unique coastal environment.
If everyone communicates this message we would make great strides in promoting responsible human-wildlife interactions. By raising awareness about the potential consequences of irresponsible activities, we can collectively contribute to the conservation of Cape fur seals and maintain the ecological balance of our cherished coastal ecosystem.
The following contacts can be used for incidents involving seals within the Cape Metropolitan Area.
Complaints regarding stranded seals or seal pups can be directed to:
- 0839408143 (Gregg Oelofse; City of Cape Town);
- 0829408937 (Arne Purves; City of Cape Town); or
- the City of Cape Town’s emergency number at 107.
Complaints regarding the feeding, abuse or killing of seals can be directed to:
- envirocrime@dffe.gov.za;
- 0839408143 (Gregg Oelofse; City of Cape Town);
- 0829408937 (Arne Purves; City of Cape Town);
- the City of Cape Town’s emergency number at 107; or
- to the Cape of Good Hope branch of the SPCA at 0833261604.
General queries can be directed to:
For seal incidents in the rest of the Western Cape Province, please contact:
- envirocrime@dffe.gov.za;
- Mzondeleli Dlulane, 0716052201, mdlulane@dffe.gov.za; or
- Marie Louise Lume, 0839681203, mlume@dffe.gov.za
Coastal stranding networks exist along the Western Cape coast from the West Coast, Overberg, Mosselbay and Plettenberg Bay. In these areas report sightings to:
Pierre de Villiers on 0832362924 or email him on estuaries@capenature.co.za
Reports should include beach name, pin location and time of day. A photograph would also be ideal. This data should be sent via whatsapp.
Related News
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.
CapeNature hit by widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage
CapeNature is assessing widespread damage across its Protected Areas following several days of severe weather that have affected multiple reserves and surrounding communities through electricity outages, flooding and disrupted road access across the Western Cape. Successive cold fronts brought heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and localised flooding across the Province, resulting in infrastructure damage, blocked routes and disruption to operations.
Western Cape fire season shows record early intensity and significant increase in fire activity
The 2025–2026 summer fire season began with exceptional intensity for CapeNature – official statistics showed a sharp rise in fire ignitions, high temperatures, and a large expanse of burnt areas across the Western Cape. Historically, the fire season is considered to run from 1 October to 31 March. However, activity began as early as September 2025, well before the traditional high-risk period from November onwards.
Wildfires intensify as climate shifts, CapeNature warns in emergency podcast series
CapeNature has released a special series of its acclaimed Green Noise podcast, offering an urgent and deeply human perspective on South Africa’s recent wildfire season. The series has a particular focus on the devastating fires in the Cederberg Wilderness and changing weather patterns. The fire in the Cederberg Wilderness, which ignited on 22 December 2025 along Uitkyk Pass