Not Exactly the Morning Commute Wellington Had in Mind
Spotted: A seal pup was caught strolling down a road in Wellington, New Zealand, as passersby helped keep the little wanderer safe.
The unexpected commuter turned up near Wellington Railway Station on Sunday afternoon, September 27, after police received reports of a seal crossing Hutt Road. According to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and police, the young animal appeared determined to get back toward the water — which meant navigating traffic all over again.
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A Very Wellington Wildlife Detour
Young New Zealand fur seals can turn up in surprisingly urban places while exploring. The safest move is to give them plenty of room and call DOC if one is in danger.
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Police eventually stepped in and, with guidance from DOC, moved the seal to a safer location before releasing it back into the water. Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley called it a bit of collaborative problem-solving that kept both the animal and road users out of trouble.
The sight may look wildly out of place, but DOC says young New Zealand fur seals, or kekeno, can wander several kilometres inland and may appear beside roads, in backyards or even on inner-city streets. That kind of exploring can be normal — especially for younger animals finding their way around.
Still, cute does not mean cuddle-ready. DOC advises people to stay at least 20 metres away, keep dogs and children back, never feed or touch a seal and avoid blocking its path to the sea. If an animal is injured, being harassed or is genuinely in danger, that is when DOC wants the call.
In this case, Wellington got the happy ending: one very lost-looking little commuter, a temporary traffic situation and a safe ride back to the water.
Watch the Wellington Seal Pup’s Roadside Adventure
Watch INYIM’s clip of the young seal making its way through Wellington before being helped to safety.
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Source: New Zealand Police via 1News; New Zealand Department of Conservation. Social presentation: INYIM Media.
