Just two days after his unforgettable suburban stroll, Gordy the elephant seal has resurfaced in Simon’s Town… still big, still blubbery and still ridiculously adorable.

Western Cape, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Just two days after his surprise city stroll had South Africans glued to their screens, Gordy the elephant seal is back… and he’s safe, snoozing peacefully at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town.

Yes, that elephant seal.

The one who turned a sleepy Tuesday morning in Gordon’s Bay into a national moment of joy, curiosity and community connection.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has just confirmed the good news via social media: “ GORDY’S BACK – BUT HE’S SAFE! Our favourite blubbery visitor has hauled out again—this time at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town.”

They added that Gordy is currently in a secure location, far from roads and traffic, and “there’s no immediate risk to his well-being.”

City officials and SPCA Inspectors are on scene, keeping a close eye on him. But for now, Gordy’s just doing what elephant seals do best… lounging. Resting on land (or “hauling out,” as marine folk call it) is completely normal behaviour for these ocean giants, especially when they’re moulting or recovering from long swims.

The gentle giant made headlines earlier this week when he wandered nearly a kilometre inland through Gordon’s Bay, delighting locals and confusing motorists. Videos of him resting his head on a police car bonnet (and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA bonnet) while traffic stopped to accommodate him went viral. Some folks even questioned if the footage was real. (Spoiler alert: it very much was.)

Social media users were quick to name him. Some called him “Gordon” (for obvious reasons), others preferred “Gordy,” and local news guru Gugu Statu affectionately dubbed him “Chonky”… which, let’s be honest, suits him just as perfectly.

But behind the laughter and viral moments was something far more profound: a full-scale, coordinated rescue effort powered by compassion and teamwork.

From SPCA inspectors and marine biologists to the SAPS, traffic officers, Shark Spotters, and even Two Oceans Aquarium—teams moved quickly to ensure Gordy was safe. He was sedated, gently loaded into a game capture trailer, and returned to Koggel Bay, a quieter beach more suitable for a marine mammal of his size.

“It truly takes a village,” said SPCA’s Belinda Abraham. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up – for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”

This was the moment Gordy/Chonky made its way back home. pic.twitter.com/MipvAFmTAY

— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) May 27, 2025

And now, two days later, our slippery celebrity has reappeared… this time in a spot where he’s away from humans, stress and selfie-seekers.

We absolutely love this story but it isn’t just about a wayward elephant seal. It’s about what happens when a community comes together to show kindness, patience and care for something wild and unexpected. It’s about the kids in pyjamas who came running to see the seal. The neighbours who gave him space. The police officers who gently redirected traffic. The marine experts who worked behind the scenes. And the South Africans across the country who found joy in watching it all unfold.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a 600kg marine mammal with a sense of adventure to bring us together.

Welcome back, Gordy. Rest well big guy… we’ve got your back.

*Just before releasing Gordy on Tuesday, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA team tagged him so that they could monitor (and recognise him) if he visited us again.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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After a little African Penguin and the unborn baby she’d been carrying were hit by a car in Simon’s Town, alarm bells raised for drivers to be more cautious. Thankfully, the penguin has successfully recovered.

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — In March, a little African penguin was waddling at night when she was hit by a car in Simon’s Town (AKA, Penguin Town).

Luckily, a Simons Town local spotted the penguin’s trouble and quickly got the injured seabird out of the road and away from further harm’s way.

The penguin was taken to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) who care for seabirds in any and all realms of distress. Here, she became known as AP243 as her road to recovery began.

Following medication and X-rays, it was revealed that AP243 had actually been carrying an egg; her baby waiting to be laid.

After over a month of steady recovery work, SANCCOB has announced that not only has AP243 made a remarkable recovery, but she was also released!

Despite the many cheers for AP243 as she waddled away freely, sombre energy was also present as her egg, although laid, did not survive.

“We don’t know if AP243 will ever be able to carry another egg. We don’t know what the long-term effects of this trauma will be. And with the African Penguin population as low as it is, we simply can’t afford to lose a single breeding female,” the SANCCOB team said.

The recovery of AP243 is a reminder that incidents like seabirds being hit by a car simply shouldn’t happen. Conservationists are loudly calling for caution from motorists who find themselves in or near penguin-populated areas like Simons Town, especially as the seabird is classed as Critically Endangered.

“These seabirds cross roads to reach the ocean, and your caution could be the difference between life and death for them,’ SANCCOB said.

The same is true for all animals that have and continue to adapt to urbanisation in areas they either have always called home or those that they’ve been pushed toward due to the human-influenced spoiling of their natural surroundings. Animals like caracals, too, face great threats from cars, and efforts as simple as paying extra attention or slowing down for these animals are worth far more than being a few minutes late for wherever you’re heading.

Sources: Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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After an incident between a seal and freedivers occurred in Simon’s Town, the NSRI shared seal safety tips so everyone could stay informed. The more precautions taken, the less seal and human lives are impacted.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 January 2025) — Following an incident involving a seal and freedivers off Simons Town’s Windmill Beach in False Bay, the NSRI has shared a safety checklist to keep everyone safe.

While the ocean is a place of adventure for humans, it’s more like a backyard for animals like seals. Cape fur seals, whilst very cute in appearance, should only be admired from afar. They can be defensive if they feel threatened and aggressive if infected with rabies. As such, here are some precautions to avoid an unfortunate incident and ensure that fewer lives (seal and human) are impacted unnecessarily.

The NSRI’s Seal Safety Tips in the Water

Minimize Risks

• Buddy up: Never swim alone.
• Use a tow float and safety whistle: These safety tools increase visibility and preparedness in the water.
• Keep fresh water and a first aid kit in your car: Essential for immediate post-incident care.
• Report unusual seal activity: Notify the City of Cape Town of any aggressive or abnormal seal behaviour.

Safety Precautions for Rabid Seal Sightings

If a rabid seal is reported in the area, swimmers, divers, and beach visitors are urged to take the following safety measures:

1. Avoid Direct Contact:
   • Stay out of the water if a rabid seal is spotted or suspected to be nearby.
   • Maintain a safe distance from seals both on the beach and in the water.
   • Do not feed or touch seals no matter how calm or sick they may look as seals can be unpredictable.

2. Observe Warning Signs and Closures:

1. • Follow any beach closures or warnings issued by authorities.
   • Respect posted signs indicating areas where a rabid seal has been reported.

3. Recognize Rabid Animal Behaviour:

1. • Rabid seals may display aggression, disorientation, excessive drooling, or paralysis. Report any such behaviour immediately.

4. Report Sightings:

1. • Contact the City of Cape Town or beach management if you encounter a rabid or suspicious seal.

5. Protect Pets:

1. • Keep pets leashed and away from seals, seal carcasses, or areas of seal activity.
   • Avoid walking pets in areas affected by rabid seals, as rabies can be transmitted to other animals.

6. Post-Exposure Measures:

1. • Seek immediate medical attention if bitten, scratched, or exposed to saliva from a seal. 
   • Thoroughly clean wounds with soap and water and disinfect the area.

7. Exercise Caution on Watercraft:

1. • Divers, kayakers, and boaters should maintain a safe distance from seals. Rabid seals may behave unpredictably or attempt to climb aboard.

To report rabid seals or any unusual seal behaviour in Cape Town, the City of Cape Town can be contacted at 021 480 7700.

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Three South African gems in the world of hospitality have been awarded places on the World’s Best 100 Hotels ranking: Simon’s Town’s Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa, The Belmond Mount Nelson and Cheetah Plains!

Global (21 October 2024) — Three South African gems in the world of hospitality have proved their cut after being voted onto the World’s Best 100 Hotels 2025 list by Fodor’s Travel!

The prestigious list was the work of 750 globetrotting writers and hotel professionals across the world who had the mighty task of narrowing down 700,000 hotels to just 100, representing the best 0.014% of hotels in the world.

Representing South Africa is Tinstwalo Boulders Boutique Villa, which got to share the Africa’s 10 Best Hotels ranking with the Belmond Mount Nelson (the Nellie also earned another acclaimed title this year as the Best Hotel in Africa per the World’s 50 Best Hotels List) and Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand!

Tinstwalo Boulders

For the quaint coastal region known for its famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the big news for Tintswalo Boulders was a big win for Simon’s Town as a whole.

The hotel was praised for its elegance and breathtaking views across Boulders Beach, as well as its proximity to the African penguins who call the beach home. Hopefully, with the hotel’s fresh spotlight, the light will also expand to hone in on the penguins that make an experience there as special as it is, given their species’ plight for survival.

The Nellie

As for the other victors’, The Mount Nelson was praised for its ever-pink and fabulous style, epic mountain views, lush grounds and its sustainable focus (including its ‘worm farm’ for kitchen waste).

Cheetah Plains

Cheetah Plains similarly scored points for its sustainable ethos, African art, the way it embraces raw and natural materials in design as well as its prime location in the Sabi Sand (especially for those who’d love to get a glimpse of hippos).

Sources: Supplied; Fodor’s Travel 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Darron’s journey from a young person in a chaotic environment to a community hero is nothing short of inspiring! And it all began with a surfer’s kindness:

Simon’s Town, South Africa (03 April 2024) — Back in the early 2000s when Darron Nicholson was a child, he would sit and watch surfers in Kommetjie. For Darron, watching the surfers wasn’t just about enjoying one of the most mind-blowing skillsets undertaken by humans (though that part was pretty cool too). It was an open invitation to peace—something Darron welcomed amid the chaotic moments of his early life and environment.

One day, a kind surfer (and later on, Darron’s Math teacher) noticed Darron and decided to teach him how to ride the waves for himself. Though neither of them knew it at the time, this act would unfold into a series of positively impactful moments for Darron on his path to becoming a community hero.

Darron went on to teach children from similar backgrounds to his, how to surf. This continued into his young adulthood when he would team up with an American, who eventually became his wife, to do even more good!

Together, the Nicholson’s went on to help scores of struggling children—from foster kids to eventually running their own children’s sanctuary.

After lockdown, Lindsay and Darron were able to start the GLO House, inspired by a phrase used by the children they helped. A home of belief in the better, Lindsay and Darron’s work has been centred around making sure that underprivileged children have the opportunity to grow with love, get an education, and learn about sustainability and animals.

Beyond the children, they are also pillars in surrounding communities.

“The GLO House has an immense amount of projects they work on. One of them is helping Simonstown removing 1-2 tons of food waste from restaurants and Spar to reduce baboon attractants and limiting organic waste to landfill,” shares the Simonstown Community Group who honoured Darron as their person of the month.

“Darron is one of the most honourable people in our immediate society…he endeavours to honour every promise he makes to anyone but especially the kids—it is truly an honour to know him…

“…At 32 we applaud this young man who will go on to do great things not only for our community but for our country.”

Sources: Simonstown Community Group 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Simon’s Town just got its own picture-perfect Penguin Pedestrian Crossing, and it might just be the most wholesome thing you see today:

Simon’s Town, South Africa (14 December 2023) — Penguin Town (AKA, Simon’s Town) recently got a fresh coat of art honouring the African Penguins who live there. Given that people around the world flock to see the Boulders Beach penguin colony, it was only fitting that these seabirds got their own picture-perfect walkway, the Penguin Pedestrian Crossing.

The crossing is equally practical as it is adorable, considering that in this town, it is hardly uncommon to see a penguin waddling across the street. A reminder to keep an eye out for these feathered pals and to respect them, the Penguin Pedestrian Crossing can be found on St George’s Street (a coin’s throw from Boulders Beach).

Painted by local artist Jacques Coetzee, the project is also another pavement public art special from the City of Cape Town.

“The Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach area is globally famous for the colony of African Penguins, a much loved feature of the South Peninsula, loved by locals and visitors alike,” shared mayco member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

He added that it was an addition to the Urban Mobility Directorate’s mission to make more creative crossings and public art “in order to create an urban streetscape energy. Or indicate heritage, tourism and cultural precincts.”

As Boulders Beach was recently named one of the best beaches worldwide and as the Western Cape’s tourism numbers continue to soar, it’s only fitting that there’s a special reminder to look out for the seabird residents that make this town quiet so special.

Sources: City of Cape Town; Jacques Coetzee

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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