Jabu the beloved seal of Ushaka Marine World passes away at 33
Oldest seal
Jabu, the oldest seal at Ushaka Marine World that passed away at 33-years-old.
Image: Facebook
Ushaka Marine World is grieving the loss of one of its most iconic residents, Jabu, the seal who spent nearly three decades captivating visitors with his charm and playful antics.
Jabu, who was rescued from the Eastern Cape coast at age 4, in 1996, died at age 33.
His journey to Ushaka Marine World began during a storm that struck the Eastern Cape. He was found on a beach.
“Jabu was an icon and a legend in his own right. He brought so much joy not only to the staff, but to the millions of guests who met him during the daily shows. It was easy to fall in love with Jabu who we called our gentle giant," said the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) in a statement.
“He played a big role in SAAMBR’s mission of connecting people with the ocean and promoting marine conservation. Over the past few years, Jabu began to slow down and started showing signs of his age. The level of husbandry and medical care at uShaka Sea World is of such a high standard that Jabu reached an age that a seal would not normally attain in the wild. He still enjoyed interacting with the animal care team and having little fishy snacks right up until the end."
SAAMBR said his passing was not unexpected due to his old age but his passing had left a void in their hearts, especially since many of the team have worked with Jabu for almost 30 years.
Hayley Tennant, a staff member, said: "Jabu was such a sweet soul, a true gentleman, and a legend. His grace, strength and mischievous spirit have always been an inspiration to me. I am truly honoured to have known him and to have been part of his life for the past three decades. Rest in peace beloved Jabu.”