Authorities in George have urged the public to stay away from Columbo, the Elephant Seal, who had been at Victoria Bay, for a few weeks now.
Animal behaviour specialists from SMART, noticed his recent strange behaviour, of “fighting” with rocks.
This has caused his teeth to wear down and led to the formation of an integumentary shield (a thickened patch of skin) on his chest.
Columbo has been under the watchful eye of the George Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment & SMART (Stranding Marine Animal Rescue Team), since his arrival.
He was first recorded on the South African coast in November 2023 near Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, where he remained ashore for a month to moult. Since then, he has returned to Victoria Bay on three occasions, with the most recent haul-out beginning on 3 June 2025 — his longest stay to date (37 days and counting).
Columbo is a male Southern elephant seal, aged between 4 to 5 years old and estimated to weigh approximately 500 kilograms.
He can be identified by a white spot on his left eye and a green tag on his hind flippers marked “0196”.
George Municipality’s Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, said “following several expert consultations — including marine biologists, veterinarians, and state officials, it was agreed that the best course of action is to leave Columbo undisturbed at Victoria Bay. Attempts to move or chase him into the ocean were considered risky, both to humans and the animal, and could cause distress or injury.”
Here is a list of Dos and Don’ts Around Columbo
✅ DO:
- Stay at least 20 metres away from the seal at all times. If the seal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
- Keep dogs on a leash and well away from the seal.
- Report any suspicious or harmful behaviour toward the animal to the relevant authorities or SMART volunteers on site.
❌ DON’T:
- Do not approach, touch, or feed the seal.
- Do not throw water, sand, or objects at the seal.
- Do not attempt to get close for selfies or videos — this can agitate the animal and result in injury.
- Do not allow children or pets to interact with or get close to the seal.
- Do not attempt to scare or chase himinto the water — he is here by choice.
Volunteers at Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) on their hotline: +27 72 227 4715.
Picture of Columbo, SMART.