A juvenile specimen of Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) was returned to its natural habitat at Playa Norte, San Clemente del Tuyú. The action was coordinated by the Ministry of Environment of the Province of Buenos Aires after a rigorous process of rescue, rehabilitation, and monitoring that lasted more than seven months.
The specimen had been rescued at the end of October 2025 on the coasts of Villa Gesell. At that time, it was a newborn calf separated from its mother, leaving it in a state of extreme vulnerability. Thanks to the joint work of the Park Rangers Corps, municipal staff, the Argentine Naval Prefecture, and the Mundo Marino Foundation, the animal received specialized veterinary care, feeding, and continuous monitoring until it reached the weight and adequate sanitary conditions for its release.
The Buenos Aires Environment Minister, Daniela Vilar, emphasized that the success of these operations lies in the coordinated work between the State, scientific organizations, and local communities to protect biodiversity and marine fauna. It is worth noting that the Mundo Marino Foundation is part of the Network for Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction of Marine Fauna, a key space for the conservation of species that transit the provincial coast.
Recommendations upon finding marine fauna on the beaches
To ensure the safety of people and allow animals to continue their natural cycle without interference, authorities remind the following coexistence guidelines:
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Maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from the animal.
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Do not stand between the specimen and the sea.
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Avoid touching, feeding, or wetting it.
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Give immediate notice to the competent authorities.
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Strictly respect the safety perimeters.
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Do not drive vehicles on the beach in areas where there is a presence of animals.
