Abstract

We report on the presumed first, successful rehabilitation and subsequent release of a male, two-year-old Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). The animal was found stranded on a beach in southern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. We performed a full clinical examination, including a full blood screen, on his arrival and shortly before his release. I will present a short summary of his blood parameters, weight gain and food consumption, health screening and immobilisation technique. He was released in January 2014 with an attached satellite transmitter. I will also give a short summary of his movements post-release.