Onlookers Shocked as Seal Attacks Dwarf Sperm Whale in Bay Near Cape Town

An attack by a seal on a disoriented dwarf sperm whale in Hout Bay, in the South African city of Cape Town, shocked onlookers on March 5.

Footage captured by UK resident Steven Jordan shows the bloody encounter in which the seal pursues the whale as it briefly swims onto rocks on the shore, before going back out to the water where the carnage continues.

Jordan’s video includes audible gasps from those watching on as the whale fights for survival.

On the same day, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA reported that it had been made aware of an “injured whale at Hout Bay Harbour.” Upon finding the whale, however, the attending team was forced to put the animal down.

“Our hearts just sank when we arrived because this dwarf sperm whale was extensively injured, weak and was no doubt suffering immensely,” a Facebook post from the group noted

They added, “According to research, whales often beach themselves when they are too sick or injured to swim and the currents carry them ashore where they suffer a slow and agonizing death as their organs shut down one by one. We knew that returning this whale to the ocean would not be successful and would only add to the stress, pain and exhaustion that this animal was already experiencing.” Credit: Steven Jordan via Storyful