Ghent residents have gathered along the shores of the city’s canals this week to watch a seal swim along in the water. Authorities are not concerned but ask that people give the beast a wide berth
A seal has been swimming around in the canal smack dab in the centre of Ghent for several days now, to the delight of many onlookers. The fire brigade and Sea Life Blankenberge are aware of the situation and see no problem for the seal as long as people leave it alone.
The seal must have swum in from the ocean but has been content to stay in the waters of Ghent for the last several days. Saltwater seals can easily survive in fresh water “as long as they find enough fish,” says Jonathan Meul, lead aquarist at Sea Life. “If that changes, it will swim along to somewhere else.”
A TikTok video shows the seal swimming:
Meul warns people to stay well away from the animal and enjoy it from a distance. “They are not always friendly animals,” he says, “especially if you try to touch them. They have sharp teeth and claws, so don’t do anything crazy. Animals and humans can also pass sicknesses on to each other.” Boaters are especially encouraged take care when steering along in the canal.
The local fire brigade is keeping a watch on the seal to make sure it appears healthy. If it seems sick or confused, Sea Life will intervene. “But we think it will swim back towards the sea when it’s ready.”
It’s not the first time a seal has taken to Ghent waters. As recently as 2022 a seal was seen there. “It could be the same seal,” says Meul. “Maybe it couldn’t find enough fish and left and coincidentally found its way back.”