SAAMBR

The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) SAAMBR was founded in 1951 by a group of conservationists, academics, and fishermen concerned about the future of marine life along South Africa’s coast. It’s one of the oldest marine-focused NGOs in the region and has played a pivotal role in shaping marine research and conservation policy. SAAMBR began rescuing and rehabilitating seals as early as the 1970s, when it was still based at the Durban Centenary Aquarium. Their seal care program continued seamlessly when they moved to uShaka SeaWorld in Durban in 2004.

While best known for its public education and research initiatives, SAAMBR has consistently responded to seal strandings along South Africa’s east coast, including Cape fur seals and rarer species like Subantarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals. Animals are taken in for assessment and veterinary treatment, followed by rehabilitation and monitored release where appropriate. SAAMBR plays an active role in the regional marine rescue network and provides clear public guidance for responding to stranded marine animals, making it a useful point of contact for seal-related emergencies in the area.