Momoa the elephant seal has left the Eastern Bay.
Last seen a week ago, it is believed the seal headed out under the cover of darkness in search of food.
The two-and-a-half tonne beast had been vacationing at local beaches and in the Whakatāne River during the Christmas/New Year period but has not been seen since January 3, disappointing people who did not have the opportunity to see him while he was here.
Department of Conservation senior ranger, biodiversity, Andrew Glaser said Momoa probably swam out to deeper water during the night of the third.