In an unusual turn of events, residents of Gordon's Bay, a picturesque coastal town near Cape Town, South Africa, were greeted by an unexpected visitor early Tuesday morning.

A large elephant seal, weighing approximately two tonnes, was spotted lumbering along the streets, prompting a mix of surprise and concern among locals.

The incident quickly drew attention, leading to a coordinated rescue effort to ensure the seal's safe return to its natural habitat.

The young male elephant seal was seen making its way through the suburb, much to the astonishment of onlookers who emerged from their homes to witness the spectacle.

Videos captured by residents showcased the seal's curious behaviour as it navigated the streets, with one woman humorously asking, “This is unreal. Hi, bro, how did you get here?”

The seal's unexpected detour raised questions about how it ended up so far from the ocean, leading animal welfare officials to express concern for its well-being.

Exhausted and dehydrated

As the seal continued its stroll, local police and a nearby security company sprang into action, attempting to contain the situation. Patrol cars were strategically parked around the seal to prevent it from wandering further into the town.

However, the seal seemed unfazed by the commotion, resting its massive head on the hood of one vehicle and even half-climbing over another before slipping free. It crossed a road and continued along a sidewalk, eventually stopping next to a shopping mall.

Animal welfare officials quickly assessed the situation, noting that the seal was too far from the ocean and could become exhausted or dehydrated if not assisted promptly.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, along with marine wildlife specialists and a city veterinarian, mobilised to rescue the seal. They sedated the animal and carefully guided it into an animal transport trailer, ensuring it would be safely returned to the nearby bay.

The rescue operation was a success, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA later shared a heartwarming video on social media, showcasing the seal's triumphant return to the ocean.

'Fascinating creatures’

The video, captioned “Sea you later,” depicted the seal making its way down the beach and into the waves, much to the delight of those who had gathered to witness the moment.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the need for communities to be vigilant in protecting their natural habitats.

While the elephant seal's journey through Gordon's Bay was unexpected, it also highlighted the resilience of wildlife and the efforts of local organizations dedicated to their care.

Elephant seals are fascinating creatures known for their impressive size and unique behaviors.

Adult males can weigh up to 4,400 pounds and grow to lengths of over 20 feet. These marine mammals are typically found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, where they spend most of their lives at sea, only coming ashore to breed and molt.

Their presence in coastal towns, while rare, can occur when they stray from their natural habitats, often in search of food or suitable resting spots.

The sighting of an elephant seal in a suburban area raises awareness about the challenges these animals face in their natural environments.