Update on Seal Alert-SA’s noble work.
As the South Africa-based organization continues striving to protect Namibian Cape fur seals
from the threat of cruel deaths that occur annually for the babies’ fur, Seal Alert-SA’s
founder Mr. Francois Hugo has been conveying updates to Supreme Master Ching Hai, who has
been encouraging Mr. Hugo’s endeavors since 2009.
With donations that total US$350,000 thus far, Supreme Master Ching Hai's US$50,000
contribution in October 2011 was accompanied by a note that said, “May God bless and
protect the seals and your great self.
With gratitude and love to you and all seal-alliance members.”
The following are excerpts of Mr. Hugo's letter of appreciation in response.
Firstly, thank you for the amazing contribution of US$50,000.
It has enabled me to do so much.
I have managed to repair, repaint and purchase new motors for the catamaran...
I managed to acquire a second-hand 2008 GWM bakkie (pick-up truck) which is perfect for
rescuing and transporting seals and has been invaluable, saving numerous seals to date.
A walk on the jetty was installed, (and) the... center had the privilege this year of having
females come and give birth to new-born baby seals.
Recently my wife and I and the seals had a private unveiling of the Seal Statue in honor
of Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Placed looking north to the seal slaughter in Namibia, it reads, "Supreme Master Ching
Hai - May You Forever Watch Over The Cape Fur Seals."
You now have a special place at the Supreme Master Ching Hai/Seal Alert-SA Seal Center
that will forever be amongst and within these amazing seals.
As you know, the legal opinion you helped fund through my lawyers resulted in the Ombudsman
of Namibia, Advocate John Walters, chairing a very successful meeting in September, attended
by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Sea Shepherd, Seals of Nam, WWF (World Wildlife
Fund), National Council of SPCA's (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
and De Beers...
The ombudsman will make his findings public in early 2012, and it is hoped he will accept
Seal Alert's legal opinion, which has found the seal harvest to be unlawful under international
and Namibian law...
In addition, I undertook a fly-over of the seal island we repopulated in 2009, after
it went extinct 200 years ago... and I am so happy to report the island is thriving;
the whole island is covered in seals.
In addition, the largest former seal island, Robben 'Seal' Island, has had a group of seals
return and repopulation looks like it will soon begin.
Through your amazing kindness and support, Supreme Master Ching Hai, you have made the
impossible, possible, restoring life where none had previously existed.
You are the Cape fur seals’ mother.
You made positive thought into positive action that is bringing change to an entire species.
May you all have the best Christmas and may 2012 and the New Year bring the good news
we have all been waiting for so long.
For the Seals, always.
Francois Hugo Seal Alert-SA
VOICE: Our gratefulness to Supreme Master Ching Hai for permitting us to share this
letter with concerned viewers and to our Association’s Foreign Group for providing the correspondence
as we sincerely thank Mr. Hugo, Seal Alert-SA, and supportive organizations, for your loving
initiatives to safeguard the precious Cape fur seals.
May the day soon come when humanity and all animal friends co-exist in shared dignity
and peace�