Captain Hook, a Cape fur seal whose life was once threatened by fishhooks, has been successfully rescued and rehabilitated.

In a heartwarming turn of events, the seal has now made his public debut on the stage at uShaka Sea World.

Named fittingly for his unfortunate encounters with fishing gear, Captain Hook’s story reflects the dedication of wildlife rescuers and the indomitable spirit of nature.

Amanzimtoti’s Beach Superintendent, Jace Govender, with assistanced from the ZN Stranding Network members, rescued the seal in July.

The KZN Stranding Network and marine animal experts had monitored him after settling in the surf at eManzimtoti, Durban South. He had evaded capture until his eventual rescue.

Captain Hook was admitted into the care of the Saambr Animal Care team. At the time, he was two-and-a-half years old and weighed 17kg. 

It was believed he followed the Sardine Run up the coast, and when they were no longer visible, he saw sardines connected to the end of the fishermen’s lines at eManzimtoti. Despite being hooked several times, he continued to steal the fishermen’s bait until he required medical attention.

While most hooks were removed successfully, one remained. 

Saambr spokesperson Ann Kunz said: “A specialised veterinary assessment later revealed that this hook, originally lodged in his oesophagus, had migrated to a safer position in a shoulder muscle. It was decided that operating was not in Captain’s best interest.”

She said Captain Hook recovered during his rehabilitation, thanks to the dedicated care and attention of his caregivers.

The enthusiasm that once landed him in trouble, he would repeatedly steal bait from fishermen, also fuelled his significant love of food, enabling him to gain weight at a steady, healthy rate.

“When authorities determined that he could not be released back into the wild, we were honoured to offer him a permanent home at uShaka Sea World. After being moved from the rehabilitation tunnel, he was gradually introduced to the resident seals and quickly won hearts with his curious, playful, and irresistibly cute personality,” Kunz said. 

“We are delighted to share that, after just two months of settling in and ‘finding his flippers’, Captain Hook made his first surprise stage appearance at the beginning of December in front of a large, enthusiastic audience.” 

Kunz added that soon, Captain Hook, or just “Captain”, will shine as one of the stars on stage. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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