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.
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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.
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