Imagine stepping outside your home and finding a wild animal comfortably curled up on your porch. That’s exactly what happened to a family in Wellington, New Zealand, who were astonished to discover an unexpected visitor—a seal pup—enjoying a cozy nap just outside their front door.
An Adventurous Journey to a Nap Spot
According to a Facebook post from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, the young seal had embarked on quite the adventure. The pup managed to climb a seawall, cross a road, hike up a footpath, navigate a driveway, and ascend another set of stairs before finally settling down for a well-deserved rest on the family’s porch.
“It’s not every day you come home to find a seal curled up on your front porch,” remarked the Department of Conservation in their post, highlighting the unusual yet heartwarming encounter.
Meet the New Zealand Fur Seal Pup (Kekeno)
The animal in question is a New Zealand fur seal, also known locally as a kekeno. Though often mistaken for true seals, fur seals like the kekeno are actually more closely related to sea lions. These curious and resilient creatures are known for their playful and explorative nature, especially during a specific time of the year.
Understanding New Zealand’s ‘Seal Silly Season’
From May through September, New Zealand experiences what locals call the “seal silly season.” During this period, young seal pups and adult males venture away from their coastal colonies, often wandering into unexpected places such as roadways, public parks, and occasionally, people’s homes. It’s not unusual for residents to come across seals in the most surprising locations, as these adventurous animals explore the wider world beyond their usual habitats.
What to Do If You Find a Seal
Despite their seemingly out-of-place appearances, the Department of Conservation advises that seals found in unusual spots, like a front porch, typically do not require human intervention. These seals, although they might appear thin, sick, or even injured, are generally healthy and simply in need of rest. The Department urges people to let the seals go about their business undisturbed.
However, if a seal appears to be in immediate danger or is injured, it’s important to contact local wildlife authorities. In the case of the sleepy seal pup in Wellington, an officer was dispatched to safely relocate the animal to a less hazardous location, away from potential threats such as dogs and traffic.
Conclusion
Encounters like this remind us of the unique and sometimes surprising ways that wildlife intersects with human life, especially during seasonal migrations. For the Wellington family, discovering a seal pup napping on their porch was an unforgettable experience, and a testament to the adventurous spirit of New Zealand’s fur seals.
