Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Sea Search are working on the front line of the Cape fur seal rabies outbreak in South Africa. Not all the seals have rabies - but for those which do, and the people they interact with - it’s scary times. Here’s what to look out for. See a seal acting out of character - be sure to give it space and inform the authorities.
This is the first outbreak of rabies in a marine mammal (ever!) and we need to learn more and fast to prevent further spread.
Sea Search has been studying many aspects of Cape Fur Seal Biology for several years. Through our dedicated research, Rabies was discovered in Cape Fur Seals in June 2024. This discovery has implications not only for wildlife but also for humans who are at risk of encountering Cape Fur Seals.
The studies we are conducting are labor intensive and also very expensive.
Much of the work that we have done has been funded by us privately. In 2023, we received no funding for our seal work. In 2021 and 22 we were fortunate to be funded by a few generous organizations.
The current estimation for the monthly cost of seal research at Sea Search is R30 000,00 -R50 000,00 excluding equipment, sampling and lab testing. This work would also not be possible without dedicated volunteers assisting during the necropsies of seals.
Each necropsy takes 2 – 3 people to undertake and 4 hours per seal.
The cost of having samples analysed is R1000,00 per sample.
Our team are often performing necropsies after hours and travelling long distances to assist in the collection of seals. Our team also monitor communication channels continuously for seal reports and spend many hours compiling case reports including those of human-seal interactions.
In order to continue this important work, we appeal to the public to help donate to our cause:
gofundme.com/f/Caring-for-Cape-fur-Seals
https://seasearch.co.za/support/
Sea Search are working on the front line of the Cape fur seal rabies outbreak in South Africa. Not all the seals have rabies - but for those which do, and the people they interact with - it’s scary times. Here’s what to look out for. See a seal acting out of character - be sure to give it space and inform the authorities.
This is the first outbreak of rabies in a marine mammal (ever!) and we need to learn more and fast to prevent further spread.
Sea Search has been studying many aspects of Cape Fur Seal Biology for several years. Through our dedicated research, Rabies was discovered in Cape Fur Seals in June 2024. This discovery has implications not only for wildlife but also for humans who are at risk of encountering Cape Fur Seals.
The studies we are conducting are labor intensive and also very expensive.
Much of the work that we have done has been funded by us privately. In 2023, we received no funding for our seal work. In 2021 and 22 we were fortunate to be funded by a few generous organizations.
The current estimation for the monthly cost of seal research at Sea Search is R30 000,00 -R50 000,00 excluding equipment, sampling and lab testing. This work would also not be possible without dedicated volunteers assisting during the necropsies of seals.
Each necropsy takes 2 – 3 people to undertake and 4 hours per seal.
The cost of having samples analysed is R1000,00 per sample.
Our team are often performing necropsies after hours and travelling long distances to assist in the collection of seals. Our team also monitor communication channels continuously for seal reports and spend many hours compiling case reports including those of human-seal interactions.
In order to continue this important work, we appeal to the public to help donate to our cause:
gofundme.com/f/Caring-for-Cape-fur-Seals
https://seasearch.co.za/support/
![[SPAW 2023] Introduction + Hearing in air and water by Prof. Jakob Christiansen-Dalsgaard](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dnEYkUqn-tw/mqdefault.jpg "[SPAW 2023] Introduction + Hearing in air and water by Prof. Jakob Christiansen-Dalsgaard
The Sound Perception in Animals Workshop 2023 arose from the idea of bringing highly qualified experts in bioacoustics to promote capacity building for South African students and researchers on the topic. The event was possible due to the collaboration between the African Bioacoustics Community through Sea Search Research and Conservation and the University of Southern Denmark, taking place at the Shark Spotters venue, in Muizenberg, Cape Town, on the 17th of May 2023.
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