Two-Ton Seal Takes Unexpected Stroll Through Cape Town Suburb

A two-ton elephant seal caused quite a stir in Gordon's Bay, a coastal town near Cape Town, South Africa, on May 29th, 2025. Residents were astonished to see the massive creature wandering down their street. "I couldn't believe my eyes," said one local resident, who filmed part of the incident. Police and security services responded, attempting to guide the seal, but it seemed unfazed, even resting its head on a police car. A team of experts from the SPCA and a city veterinarian eventually tranquilized the seal and transported it safely back to the ocean. The event highlights the occasional wanderings of young male elephant seals, who sometimes stray far from their usual subantarctic habitats. The successful rescue serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the community and wildlife authorities.