Hlabathi

Sex: Female

History: Hlabathi means “Earth” or “Sand” in Zulu, named after one of the elements where she was found on the West Coast of South Africa. She was rescued from Kleinseë on 24 July 1998 when fish stocks reached an all time low. She weighed 8kgs on arrival at uShaka Sea World and now weighs over 50kg.

Character: She has a dynamic nature and is very energetic.

Activities: She enjoys playing at the large acrylic windows in the exhibits, often chasing soap bubbles running down the windows. She has also been seen amusing herself by inventing her own games at the windows.

Fact: Nostrils are found at the end of a seal's snout. The nostrils have muscles and the nose can be closed off automatically. Breathing stops when the seal is underwater as they do not breathe air. Certain species of seals can hold their breath for up to 1 hour.