The highly socialised Southern elephant seal, affectionately nicknamed “Gordy”, continues to captivate Capetonians and other social-media users alike with his series of unexpected land excursions.
After famously bringing traffic to a halt in Gordon’s Bay last Tuesday (27 May), he made a subsequent appearance in Simon’s Town just days later and has since found a secure and monitored resting spot at the naval base there.
Gordy, a sub-adult Southern elephant seal, first shot to global fame last week when he was spotted leisurely wandering the streets of Gordon’s Bay.
This initial land outing sparked a significant nine-hour rescue operation involving multiple agencies, who eventually guided him safely back to the ocean at Kogel Bay.
Gordy’s journey continued with a sighting at Kalk Bay the very next day before he once again ventured into the open water.
He appears to have developed a discernible fondness for dry land. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed his latest re-emergence, reassuring anxious followers with the update “Gordy’s back, but he’s safe! Our favourite blubbery visitor has hauled out again. This time at the Simon’s Town Naval Base.”
Belinda Abraham, communications manager of the SPCA, this week confirmed Gordy remained under their watchful eye in Simon’s Town, stating: “We’re still monitoring him.”
Adding another layer to Gordy’s unfolding story, Meredith Thornton, National Stranding Coordinator of the South African National Stranding Network, suggested the charismatic elephant seal’s adventures began even earlier than last Tuesday. “From the behaviour and photos it seems to be the same one that came ashore in Hermanus on Sunday 25 May,” she said.
Gordy is a viral sensation, with businesses even cashing in on his celebrity. Security service Fidelity ADT joined the “Gordy Fan Club” with a meme depicting their officers keeping watch near the seal, captioned “Keeping you safe on SA’s wild streets”.
An ice-cream company humorously featured Gordy enjoying an ice cream as part of his “bucket list”, while other memes, including one portraying him as a “Navy Seal” continue to circulate online.
