In recent weeks, Namibia has faced a heartbreaking crisis with a massive die-off of seals. Thousands of these marine mammals, both pups and adults, have succumbed to starvation, washing up on beaches in alarming numbers. This tragic situation has driven seals to seek out unusual food sources in a desperate bid for survival.

One such source turned out to be the Saint Joseph shark. A recent rescue operation revealed an unexpected and startling find: a seal had a Saint Joseph shark stuck in its neck. Initially, it was believed that the seal had been injured by stingray barbs, but the discovery of the whole fish provided clarity. The shark, with its distinctive sharp barb-like features, was not a typical prey for seals. However, with the seals’ extreme hunger, they have been resorting to eating whatever they can find.

The team worked diligently to remove the shark from the seal, ensuring minimal damage. While the encounter was intense, the seal was relatively unharmed compared to other potential threats, such as stingrays. This unusual incident highlights the severe impact of starvation on seal behavior and the surprising challenges they face in their struggle for survival.