There is growing concern that rabies, now endemic in Cape Fur Seals, may spread to vagrant pinniped species, potentially reaching the sub-Antarctic islands and even Antarctica. In response, authorities have decided to assess and vaccinate vagrant seals that could contract and spread the virus. To protect marine mammals in the Southern Ocean, Buffel the Elephant Seal, was selected for vaccination.
I had the pleasure of assisting Gregg Oelofse from the City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management division, Wildlife inspector John Friedman from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and the Two Oceans Aquarium team, including seal guru Claire Taylor and vet Dr. Ilse Jenkinson, in administering the rabies vaccine to Buffel. This challenging task involved getting close to Buffel and administering the vaccination via dart, in a spot where his blubber is thinnest. Drawing on our Duiker Island experience, we were able to support the team and help safeguard Buffel from potential infections.
Buffel has been on Duiker Island since early September and is becoming more active. He seeks contact while defending his territory, though his behavior can be unpredictable. He has been fighting with Cape Fur Seals, and unfortunately, these interactions often end in their deaths.
On the day we vaccinated him, Buffel spent time swimming up and down the channel, vocalizing with deep, guttural roars that echoed across the water. His enormous size was striking, especially when compared to the Cape Fur Seals. Buffel still bears scars, including an injured left eye, and other marks of the tough life he’s led in South African waters, but he remains healthy and active on the island.
Rabies has had a tragic impact, halting seal snorkeling and affecting both tourism and marine mammal care. It was once thought that marine mammals couldn’t contract rabies, but we now know that’s not the case, shifting our understanding of virus transmission in these species.
Rabies in Cape Fur Seals is also affecting water users in South Africa, from swimmers to spearfishermen and beachgoers. People are slowly realizing that the virus is here to stay, posing an ongoing risk. With that in mind, it was meaningful to help protect Buffel and reduce his chances of contracting the virus.
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