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How to help marine animals in distress

How to help marine animals in distress

Who should you call for stranded and distressed marine animals around Cape Town?

Cape Town's coastline is home to an incredible variety of marine life, from seals and seabirds to whales and turtles. In this urban ecosystem where humans and wildlife co-exist, there is a chance that you encounter a marine animal in distress. This may be due to injury, illness, plastic entanglement, or stranding. If you come across a marine animal in need of help, it's crucial to contact the appropriate organisations to ensure the animal receives prompt and effective care.

Here's a list of organisations to contact when reporting stranded, injured, or distressed marine animals in Cape Town:
  • Turtles

    If you find a stranded or injured sea turtle of any size, contact:

    • Turtle Rescue Network hotline (Two Oceans Aquarium)
      • Phone or WhatsApp: 083 300 1663

    Learn more about the Turtle Rescue Network here.

  • Seals

    Cape fur seals are common along the coast, but some may suffer from injuries, entanglement, or separation from their mothers. In all cases, it is advisable to keep your distance. For assistance, contact:

    • City of Cape Town Call Centre (for general wildlife concerns, including reporting stranded or injured animals):
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 480 7700
      • Reporting dead animals for collection: Use the City of Cape Town’s online reporting system
    • SPCA Wildlife Unit (for injured or sick seals)
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 700 4158/9 (office hours) or +27 (0)83 326 1604 (after hours)
    • Two Oceans Aquarium (for seals in the V&A Waterfront area)
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 418 3823
    • Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (for seals in the Hout Bay area)
      • Phone: +27 (0)62 674 1521 or +27 (0)82 334 4247
  • Penguins/Seabirds

    If you find an injured or oiled penguin, seabird, or baby bird in distress, contact:

    • SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds)
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 557 6155 (24-hour line) or +27 (0)78 638 3731 (On-call)
    • Two Oceans Aquarium (for penguins and birds in the V&A Waterfront area)
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 418 3823
    • SPCA Wildlife Unit
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 700 4158/9 (Office hours) or +27 (0)83 326 1604 (After hours)
  • Whales/Dolphins

    Stranded whales and dolphins require urgent attention. If you spot one in distress, call:

    • SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) for ENTANGLED whales and dolphins
      • Phone: +27 (0)82 578 7617
    • NSRI
      • Phone: 112 or +27 (0)87 094 9774
  • General marine animal emergencies and reports

    For any other marine wildlife emergencies, you can also contact:

    • City of Cape Town Call Centre (for general wildlife concerns, including reporting stranded or injured animals):
      • Phone: +27 (0)21 480 7700
    • Reporting dead animals for collection: Use the City of Cape Town’s online reporting system.
    • NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) – Large Marine Animal Distress Hotline
      • Phone: +27 (0)87 094 9774
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What to do if you find a stranded or injured marine animal

Before professional help arrives, follow these guidelines:

  • Do not attempt to move or return the animal to the water unless instructed by professionals.
  • Keep a safe distance and avoid touching the animal as this could cause stress or injury.
  • Note the location and the animal's distinguishing features to help responders.
  • If possible, take a photo of the animal to assist in a more accurate response.
  • Keep pets and crowds away to minimise stress on the animal.

Specific guidelines for seals:

  • Observe before acting: Seals often come ashore to rest and may not need assistance. However, signs that a seal is in distress include visible injuries, extreme thinness (visible ribs), or prolonged periods without movement. Further signs of distress include erratic movement, repetitive thrashing of kelp, unprovoked aggression, or obvious disorientation. It's always best to err towards caution and contact the authorities!
  • Avoid feeding or pouring water: Distressed seals do not need water poured on them or to be provided with food or drinking water. Just give them space and do not try to move or put them back in the water.
  • Report entanglements: Seals entangled in rope, nets, fishing lines, clothing, or plastic packaging may appear healthy but cannot free themselves. Please report any sighting of an entangled animal.
  • Dead seals: If you see a dead seal, reporting it helps local authorities identify health issues early enough to assist other wild seals.
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Cape Town's marine life faces many challenges. By knowing who to call in an emergency, you can make a real difference in ensuring these animals get the help they need.

Save these numbers in your phone and share them with others - protecting our marine wildlife is a responsibility we all share.

For more information on marine conservation efforts, browse our website and follow local rescue organisations on social media.