People heading to launch boats at Sulphur Point this week found the centre lane occupied – by a sleepy leopard seal with no intention of budging.
Usually living around the Antarctic pack ice, leopard seals are occasional visitors to New Zealand shores during autumn and winter.
After being alerted to the unusual visitor, Department of Conservation rangers cordoned off an area to keep the fascinated public at bay.
DOC Biodiversity Ranger Sarah-Lyn Wilson says people responded well and kept their distances.
“We had lots of interest from passersby, even entire classes of schoolkids were brought to have a look! It was a good opportunity to share some knowledge about seals,” says Sarah-Lyn.
“We do get seals, whether they be fur seals or leopard seals, popping up around the Bay of Plenty, so it’s good for people to be aware they are wild animals and need to be given space – for their safety and ours.”
Leopard seals have long slim bodies and large fore flippers. The recent Tauranga visitor was identified as a juvenile male, measuring only 1.7m where adult males can reach up to 3m in length.
Sarah-Lyn says DOC generally takes a ‘hands-off’ approach to seals, but in this case the leopard seal was napping in a busy area.
“We had a rotating roster of DOC staff and some of our trained volunteers to keep the seal and the public safe,” says Sarah-Lyn. “We’re so grateful to all the volunteers who stepped up to help.”
“If you do come across a seal, it’s ok to look, but stay at least 20m away, and keep dogs and children away,” cautions Sarah-Lyn.
After a few days of uninterrupted rest, the leopard seal returned to the ocean, apparently unfazed by the attention his visit attracted.
If you’re out naturing and see a seal that is severely injured, being harassed, or in danger, please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
Background information
Leopard seal: New Zealand marine mammals
