Day in the Life: Seal Bay Senior Guide
Seal Bay is located on the picturesque south coast of Kangaroo Island in South Australia and is brimming with stunning scenes and active wildlife. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to work here?
There's a reason why this place is a hotspot for visitors from near and far. Kangaroo Island is easily accessible via a quick flight or ferry from the mainland.
With a stunning coastline and windswept cliffs looking out to the Southern Ocean, there is plenty to see, but the real stars of Seal Bay are the charming Australian sea lions.
Endemic to South Australia and Western Australia, these sea lions are an endangered species with a total population estimated around 10,500. Of these, approximately 800 call Seal Bay home. This makes it the third-largest colony of these captivating creatures.
What sets Seal Bay apart is the unique opportunity it offers to observe these sea lions up close. This is especially magical during the breeding season when you can watch young pups frolic in the sand and play in the shallow waters alongside their newborn buddies.
Senior Guide Emma Wallace is lucky enough to call Kangaroo Island her office. Hear a little more about her role below.
Words by Emma Wallace, Seal Bay Senior Guide...
How would you describe a day in your life to someone considering this job?
No two days are the same at Seal Bay. If you love a variety of odd jobs, tour guiding dynamic groups of people and observing wild, unpredictable animals, Seal Bay is the place to be! We are often rewarded with some of the most unique and beautiful wildlife experiences in our role. Some days, whilst observing the sea lions, it feels like you are watching a live documentary unfold.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive?
Upon arrival at Seal Bay each morning, staff set up the site for the day ahead. This involves ensuring tills and radios are on and working, appropriate signage is on display and either getting ready to take the first tour of the day or assisting at the counter (depending on which guide you are). In winter, a pathway check is a MUST! We may arrive to sea lions sleeping or roaming around the visitor centre or on designated pathways for the boardwalk and guided tours. We often monitor them and let them get the rest they need until they decide to move on.
How do you handle unpredictable wildlife behaviour during a tour?
Upon commencement of employment at Seal Bay, all guides are educated on how to deal with Australian Sea Lion (ASL) behaviour and approaches. The sea lions are quite expressive with how they are feeling. When guides notice the first signs of disturbance or aggression, they move their groups to a safer viewing area. We are constantly alert and checking all surroundings.
Are there any conservation efforts you’re involved in during the day?
We are, first and foremost a conservation park for our Australian sea lions, but also for other species, including some that are also endangered too. Amongst the sea lions, we often have Hooded Plover pairs each season making attempts to nest, as well as little penguins moulting/breeding in burrows. We also have eagles, rare birds, snakes, goannas, kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies and the odd koala come for a visit. It is a very unique and diverse place that needs to be protected to maintain the fine balance.
What’s something most people don’t realise about sea lions?
There are a lot of things that people don’t realise about sea lions. Many people are under the impression that they are a very lazy creature with an easy lifestyle. It can be easily interpreted this way when you view them on land. Unfortunately for them this is not so much the case. They actually travel out to sea for roughly three days, up to 100kms off shore with no sleep or rest. Their preferred prey resides among the ocean floor, which means the sea lions are diving between 100-300m deep, up to 1,000 times in three days! People don’t realise how unique and important they are to our natural world.
What’s something you do at work that visitors don’t see?
Field days! This includes participating in monthly colony counts, sometimes assisting researchers with GPS attachments to sea lions, and assisting with microchipping sea lion pups during breeding seasons.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a guide at Seal Bay?
The most rewarding part about being a guide at Seal Bay is knowing that we are contributing to raising awareness of an endangered and endemic species to Australia. We are the frontline of educating the general public about the importance of our Australian sea lions and conservation. Being able to change people’s perspectives is a very rewarding feeling.
Book a tour with Emma and the Seal Bay team and learn all about this tourism hotspot.
Park of the Month
Throughout February, parks of Kangaroo Island are being celebrated as the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia’sPark of the Month. There are lots of events and activities to get involved in, check them all out here.
