Hlabathi means “earth” or “sand” in Zulu. She was rescued from Kleinseë on 24 July 1998 when fish stocks reached an all-time low. She weighed 8kg on arrival at uShaka Sea World and now averages 55-60kg. She has a dynamic nature and is very energetic. She enjoys playing at the large windows in the exhibits, often chasing soap bubbles as they run down the windows. She has also been seen inventing her own games.
Hobi was named after a beach in Port Elizabeth where he was rescued as an eight-month-old pup suffering with a tooth abscess. Hobie has a gentle yet adventurous nature and enjoys playing with a water hose which he tucks his flipper to aim the water into his mouth.
Ilanga means “sun” in Zulu, named after one of the elements where she was found on the West Coast of South Africa in 1998. Ilanga is fearless and confident, is creative and appears to have a sense of humour. She enjoys chasing birds and resident cats, and splashing unsuspecting trainers with water.
Jabulani means “happiness” in Zulu. He was found by a school group on a beach in East London in 1996. Jabu only weighed 35kg on arrival at uShaka Sea World, but today he is the largest male in our seal colony, averaging 125kg. He is a gentle giant and the trainers affectionately call him the “Shrek monster” because of his facial expressions and large ears. Jabu enjoys fish ice-lollies and food puzzles.
Born at National Zoological Gardens on 27 November 2008. Mobi arrived at uShaka Sea World with his brother Spungie on 10 May 2011. He is adventurous, playful, curious and has the loudest call!
Moya means “wind” or “spirit” in Zulu. Moya arrived at uShaka Sea World as a 9 kg pup and is now one of our geriatric seals, averaging 60kg. We affectionately call her “Gogo” (grandmother in Zulu). Moya is intelligent, trusting and enjoying her golden years.
Nala was rescued as a yearling in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape in September 2018. Once rehabilitated in Port Elizabeth and released, she was rescued again 5 days later after suffering a shark bite. Nala joined uShaka Sea World in May 2019. Nala is energetic, playful and learns with enthusiasm. Her favourite games are chasing water hoses and tossing toys over the window to anyone that wants to interact with her. Read Nala’s story.
He arrived at uShaka Sea World in February 2020 and has settled into the seal colony very well. He is a confident and curious little character and is learning very quickly. He is quick to figure out food puzzles blowing bubbles into them to get the fish out. Read Simba’s story.
Born at National Zoological Gardens on 7 Dec 2007. Spungie arrived at uShaka Sea World with his brother Mobi on 10 May 2011. Spungie is very confident, clever, responsive and eager to learn. He enjoys playing with kelp and is creative in the games he plays.