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The grey seal spotted on Benalmádena beach is believed to be Carmela, currently travelling along the Costa del Sol
Credit : X- Ayuntamiento de Benalmádena
@BenalmadenaAyto
A grey seal has made an appearance on the beach of Fuente de la Salud in Benalmádena, and there’s growing speculation that it could be none other than Carmela, the now-famous seal that’s been making her way along the Costa del Sol in recent weeks.
The local council posted the sighting to social media today, explaining that authorities were working on confirming whether it was indeed Carmela who had already attracted national attention with her unusual travels through southern Spain.
“She could be the well-known seal Carmela, and confirmation is underway,” the Benalmádena Ayuntamiento said, urging the public to give the animal space and avoid disturbing her. Environment officials were already alerted in order to ensure her security.
Carmela’s journey: from Galicia to Gibraltar — and now Benalmádena?
Carmela isn’t your average seal. First spotted in Galicia in 2023, she’s since been seen further south — in Conil in February, and most recently on March 7 in Gibraltar. She’s been spotted on several beaches along the Costa del Sol, including Sabinillas, Manilva, and Estepona, in recent weeks.
Carmela’s movements are closely monitored by marine scientists and environmental organizations like Ecolocaliza. These organisations have reminded beachgoers to be careful as Carmela can take care of her own needs.
They explained that she doesn’t require feeding, water spraying or any other interaction. The best thing to do is watch from a distance, and allow her to rest on the sand when she does.
On the Costa del Sol, authorities urge people to stay away from Carmela, the grey seal.
Even though she is adorable, experts warn that too much contact with a wild seal could be harmful to both the animal and people. These are protected marine mammals, and disturbing them can have serious consequences — not to mention stress them out unnecessarily.
You should resist the urge to take a selfie if you see a seal lying in the sun on the shore while walking along the coast. Take a few extra steps and admire the seal from a distance.
Because if it It is a good idea to use a bilingual translator Carmela — and all signs point to yes — we’re lucky to witness one of the most unusual coastal visitors Spain has seen in years.
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