Two Seals swam 4000 kilometers.
From the Antarctica to South Africa!
This was the before photo where the Crabeater seals live!
Source
Now after 40 years the first time these kind of seals are seen in South Africa again and they called this one Ragnar after the Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok.
But let me tell you the story:
What’s more, another Crabeater seal sighting was reported in East London on the same day.
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) admitted a rare Crabeater seal recently after the Antarctic sea creature was spotted along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
According to Saambr, this is the third recorded sighting of a Crabeater seal on the KZN coastline in 40 years
“As rare as these sightings are in South Africa, possibly even rarer still is the sighting of two Crabeater seals in South Africa on the same day,” said Saambr.
The adult Crabeater seal (Lobodon carciniphaga) was seen by local residents resting on some rocks on 28 January at Ramsgate on the KwaZulu-Natal Lower South Coast.
“Staff from the Spca Lower South branch were alerted and decided to capture the seal and transport it to uShaka Marine World for observation and possible treatment,” said Saambr.
What’s more, another Crabeater seal sighting was reported in East London on the same day.
“Crabeater seals are true seals who call the coast f Antarctica home. Upon arrival at uShaka Sea World, resident veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen found him to be in good overall condition, he was understandably stressed,” said Saambr.
Source
So what is a Crabeater seal?
Crabeater Seal
True Seal
The crabeater seal, also known as the krill-eater seal, is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around the coast of Antarctica. They are medium- to large-sized, relatively slender and pale-colored, found primarily on the free-floating pack ice that extends seasonally out from the Antarctic coast, which they use as a platform for resting.
• Higher classification: Lobodon
• Scientific name: Lobodon carcinophaga
• Family: Earless Seal
• Class: Mammal
• Phylum: Chordate
• Order: Carnivora
Source
What an amazing story and the best is that after they have rested and been fed, they will be taken back and released in the Arctic again.
And That's All Friends!
Note: All photos and articles were duly source cited.
I normally post my own stuff, but this amazing story was too good not to repeat verbatim.
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Wonderful to see the beauty of nature which surrounds us here on the south Cape coast of Africa. Next stop to the south is Antarctica.
Thank you and yes, we are indeed at the tip of the African continent.
The last stop so to say and also the most beautiful.
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.One can only wonder if they were following a food source ending so high up into warmer waters.
Once rested and fed it is great to know they will be returned to their normal habitat.
No idea how they got here, but I think that there should be some of a scientific explanation.
I didn't follow up, as my morning newspaper had the story so I just posted the basics after I found the site on Google.
good pictures and correct information
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