Animal Rescue at uShaka Sea World

An important function of uShaka Sea World is the rehabilitation of marine animals that are stranded along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
The stranded animals are cared for by dedicated staff in our specially designed rehabilitation centre. Once healthy, most of the animals are returned to the sea or, if this is not possible, they are given a home at uShaka Sea World.

Please contact uShaka Sea World on 031 328 8222 to report a stranded or beached animal.

Download our stranded animal pamphlet here. (PDF Document)

Seals
Sub-antarctic and South African fur seals periodically wash up on our beaches, sometimes hundreds of kilometres from their nearest colonies. Sub-antarctic seals are usually exhausted when they reach our shores and need time to rest peacefully before returning to the sea. If seals are injured, they are given immediate treatment based on fluid replacement and antibiotic and vitamin administration. It can take anything from one to four months before the seal is strong enough to be released.

If you find a seal on the beach please do not attempt to feed or touch the seal.

African Penguins
African penguins periodically appear on KwaZulu-Natal beaches. These birds are brought to uShaka Sea World for their own safety. If they are injured or sick, we administer the appropriate treatment. Some simply need a little space and privacy to complete their moult. If you find a penguin, please place it in a well ventilated box and keep it in a cool, quiet area. Do not attempt to handle or feed the penguin.

Turtles
Turtles are often victims of pollution at sea. They can become entangled in nets, fishing line or can swallow plastic bags. As slow moving creatures, some are injured by the propellers of boats. If possible, stranded turtles are treated and nursed back to health by uShaka Sea World staff. Once they have fully recovered, the turtles are released offshore, sometimes with the assistance of cruise ships, to return to their wandering lifestyle.

Dolphins and Whales
There are many theories as to why dolphins and whales beach themselves. Stress to a dolphin or whale can be fatal, so it is important to call uShaka Sea World immediately should you come across a stranding. Dolphins and whales breathe through a blowhole situated on top of their heads, so keep the blowhole clear and do not pour anything down it. Please call uShaka Sea World immediately.

Environmental Distasters
uShaka Sea World also actively assists in the aftermath of environmental disasters, such as the Treasure oil spill in June 2000. Over 500 penguin chicks were cared for and hand raised by uShaka Sea World staff and volunteers. The chicks who arrived in Durban from the Cape by plane ranged in age from one to four weeks. Feeding 500 rapidly growing hungry birds was a major undertaking. The assistance of the local community, who assisted by giving both their time and expertise as well as financial support, was critical to the success of the project. Many volunteers helped to ensure a continuous supply of food, medication, cleaning materials and medical supplies.

The birds were returned to their colonies and many have produced chicks of their own. This project helped to secure a future for this endangered species.