Durban — Two adult yellow-bellied sea snakes have been returned to their ocean after spending weeks at uShaka Sea World.

On Wednesday morning, the two yellow-bellied sea snakes were released 20 nautical miles out to sea after spending the last two weeks in the care of uShaka Sea World herpetologists.

South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) spokesperson Ann Kunz said the highly venomous sea snakes had been stranded on beaches in the Western Cape at Nature’s Valley and Lookout Beach.

She said that initially they were cared for by Plettenberg Bay-based snake rescuer Tiago Rebelo before being flown to uShaka Sea World.

“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 in their washing up on the beach,” Kunz said.

Releasing the sea snake is uShaka Sea World senior herpetologist Carl Schloms, with marine educator Khethukuthula Khuzwayo watching. Picture: Saambr

uShaka Sea World senior herpetologist Carl Schloms said: “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 I was wearing bite-proof gloves when I released the snakes this morning.”

Kunz explained that yellow-bellied sea snakes are true snakes and spend their lives drifting on the water’s surface, feeding on surface pelagic fish and drifter fish, which are usually found in association with floating objects.

She 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,” Kunz said.

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