Leopard Seal on Milnerton Beach

The City of Cape Town’s Environmental Department has sighted a leopard seal that has come ashore on Milnerton beach near the Lagoon. Residents, visitors, and beachgoers are warned to exercise caution and not to go near the animal while he is ashore.

It is very unusual for a Leopard seal to move out if its primary habitat at the Antarctic pack ice and land up on Cape Town’s shores.

As much as this is a welcome visitor to our coastline, we want to advise the public that leopard seals are apex predators and should be considered dangerous, especially to children and pets.

‘We are asking the public to please keep a good distance from the leopard seal and to ensure that their dogs are on a leash at all times,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.

The City’s Law enforcement officers have cordoned off the area in the interest of public safety. 

The City, in consultation with the National Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries, has decided that the best way to deal with this situation is to leave the animal alone and let it move off when ready.

Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town