Yellow-bellied sea snakes released out at sea

Two adult yellow-bellied sea snakes that have spent the past two weeks in the care of the uShaka Sea World herpetologists were released out at sea this morning.

The highly venomous snakes were released 20 nautical miles out at sea after they were deemed to have recovered sufficiently.

The snakes were originally stranded on beaches in the Western Cape at Natures Valley and Lookout Beach. They were initially cared for by local snake rescuer Tiago Rebelo before being flown to uShaka Sea World.

uShaka Sea World senior herpetologist, Carl Schloms said yellow-bellied sea snakes spend their lives drifting on the surface of the water, feeding on surface pelagic fish and drifter fish, that are usually found in association with floating objects.

“Although we are not certain why these incredibly beautiful snakes washed up on the beach, it is possible that the rough weather conditions in the area around the time of their stranding would have played a role,” he said.

“The yellow-bellied sea snake is one of the most widely distributed snakes in the world, occurring in every ocean except the Atlantic. Their distribution does, however, favour warmer waters. The best second chance we could give these two fortunate sea snakes was to release them into the warm Agulhas current off Durban.

“If you come across a sea snake, it is important that you do not attempt to put it back in the sea, but rather contact wildlife authorities or snake experts as they are highly venomous. You will notice (in the picture) I was wearing bite proof gloves when I released the snakes this morning” said uShaka Sea World Senior Herpetologist, Carl Schloms.