The seal sunbathing along the rocks on Auckland's Tamaki Drive. Photo / Supplied via Greer Lindsay
A seal has been spotted sunning itself on rocks along Auckland's Tamaki Drive today.
Greer Lindsay said she was delighted when she saw the seal between Kohimarama and Mission Bay this morning at 10.45am.
"All the runners and walkers were stopping to take pictures of it.
"After sunning itself for awhile it slipped back into the water and was turning and frolicking around before coming back up higher on the rocks to sunbathe some more."
Several seals have been snapped lazing around Auckland in the last few weeks.
Most recently, a seal was seen lounging near the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Auckland's Viaduct last Thursday.
"The baby seal arrived sometime earlier this morning, and has been sunning itself on our pontoon ever since," said Neil Hassall, museum marketing and communications executive.
Early last month, a seal pup caused a sensation when it spent most of the day snoozing and sunbathing on some steps outside the ferry terminal at the Auckland Viaduct.
Hundreds of people gathered to photograph the camera-friendly seal.
At the time, Fullers Ferry spokeswoman Izania Downie said the pup had captured a few hearts.
"A lot of our staff are out there taking photos along with members of the public."
Finally in June, three seals were spotted in Papakura in less than two weeks.
On its website, the Department of Conservation (DoC) warned members of the public to always keep well away from seals, and not to touch them.
The public should call DoC if a seal was severely injured, entangled in a net or rope, or was in danger from dogs, traffic or other human activity.
• Always stay at least 20m away.
• Do not make loud noises or throw objects near seals.
• Always keep dogs and small children under control when around seals.
• Never try to touch a seal, as they can be aggressive if threatened.You can also catch diseases from seals through their skin, sneezes, coughs and barks.
• Do not feed them.
Source: DoC
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