A day in the life of a seal whisperer

The SA Government is made up of more than 100,000 South Australias making a difference in their roles every day. In this story, we talk to Mel - a seal whisperer on Kangaroo Island!

According to the Department for Environment and Water’s (DEW) Mel Stonnill, she has the best job in the world.

Home to breathtaking scenery and incredible Australian wildlife encounters, it’s easy to see why Kangaroo Island’s Seal Bay Conservation Park would feel like you’re working in paradise.

“Seal Bay is home to the third largest colony of Australian sea lions in the world. There’s around 800 individuals that depend on Seal Bay’s 2km stretch of shoreline,  and we’re literally standing in their bedroom,” Mel said.

“Seal Bay is home to the third largest colony of Australian sea lions in the world. There’s around 800 individuals that depend on Seal Bay’s 2km stretch of shoreline,  and we’re literally standing in their bedroom,” Mel said.

As the park’s Research and Operations Coordinator, or seal whisperer, Mel is tasked with maintaining and continually developing Seal Bay’s long-term monitoring program.

“The Australian sea lion population is in decline and Seal Bay is the only ongoing research facility for the species, which makes my job all the more special,” she said.

Her days are filled with visits to the seal colony to scan the microchips of various animals and to collect the vital data studied by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) – DEW’s partner on the monitoring program.

“My role includes recording every new pup born, scanning the mother and attending mate-guarding male and ensuring pups are microchipped to preserve the continuity of the monitoring program,” she said.

The data is critical to monitor the health of the population of sea lions and ensures the park remains a sustainable tourism destination.
Over the years in the role, Mel has got to know the sea lions‘ personalities – from the friendly to the cranky.

“It sounds ridiculous, but I always talk to them! They’ve all got different personalities – some of them are more laid back or playful, and some are more aggressive,” Mel said.

“It’s a matter of moving slowly, but when you need to, respecting their space and moving quickly to get the heck out of there.”
For Mel, the opportunity to get out and about in nature every day makes her feel incredibly lucky.

“I feel very grateful to stand on these cliffs and walk these beaches, not following other people’s footprints, but the flipped imprints of the sea lions. It is a privilege to have found a role that gives greater meaning to my life, and one I can share with such an incredible species.”

A visit to Seal Bay is a unique opportunity to see sea lions and their pups up close. You can take a stroll along the boardwalk with a self-guided tour, or for something extra special book in for a guided tour.

Video courtesy of Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance.
Image courtesy of Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance and Fuller Brand Communication. Photographer: Christopher Morrison.