A seal that doesn't like water?!

Last weekend we had our friends (Bob, Katrina and Cameron) to visit, from the South. We all went for a walk, and decided to climb over onto the beach by the lighthouse. As we got to the top of the slope we could see a little seal, just at the water line, so decided to go and have a closer look. Usually the seals here don't let people get too close before they disappear back into the water, however this little seal did not seem in the slightest bit bothered about us geting closer and closer. We got to just a few metres away and the seal actually pulled itself towards us to sniff Cameron's feet! We were fascinated, so all got our phones out to try and capture photographic evidence of it. As we were filming a short video (on the phone) a small wave tumbled up the beach and touched the seal. Our little friend obviously did not like that... we decided that the water was either too cold, the seal didn't like swimming or maybe there was something wrong with it. We were beginning to worry that it was ill and too weak, but it shocked us by pulling himself all the way up the beach and as far from the water as possible. We watched him for a bit longer before heading home for some dinner. We went to check on it as darkness fell, and he was still sat there but seemed happy enough still. We checked again once the sun was shining, and were surprised to see that he was still there! This time I took my camera and managed to get a few pictures of him.

 

He didn't seem too bothered by our company, but we thought it seemed a bit strange that he hadn't moved for nearly a whole day. So the local seal sanctuary people were called, just to be on the safe side. I don't know the outcome of their visit yet, but will try and find out!