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.
![Momoa the elephant seal has left Whakatāne. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2HTILYXRHRVX6GDJ5IH6ZKP3TA.jpg?auth=edeca96a3d6c9abe36f739db23798ca3c7208c86b3035b38efd81425f4f75b83&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Department of Conservation senior ranger, biodiversity, Andrew Glaser said Momoa probably swam out to deeper water during the night of the third.