Encounters with unexpected wildlife often lead to unforgettable moments, and one family in New Zealand experienced just that when they discovered an adorable baby seal taking a nap on their front porch. The Department of Conservation has shared a heartwarming photo of a keken, or fur seal, that explains its unexpected journey from the sea to a cozy spot on the family’s doorstep. New Zealand’s “silly seal season”, which runs from May to September, is when young pups and adult male seals venture outside their colonies. This period often leads to charming encounters as the seals explore different areas, surprising the inhabitants and creating unique stories.
“It was a bit of a mission, climbing the steps by the levee, crossing the road, walking down the footpath, the driveway, and finally up more steps to get to the sleeping spot,” the conservation department said.
“It’s not every day you come home to find a seal curled up on the porch.”
The animal is a kekeno or seal, originally from New Zealand. Despite their name, they are more closely related to sea lions than seals.
This time of year, May to September, is known in New Zealand as the “silly seal season” when pups and adult male seals leave their colonies. Young seals often appear this way.
During this time, these seals tend to travel far and wide, and residents often discover seals in their homes, on public roads, and even in public spaces.
“They may look thin or sick, with teary eyes and a cough, but this is normal – seals are very resilient animals,” the Department of Conservation said on Facebook, stressing that this is normal and the seals should continue with their lives. with a little help. “Calves need rest, not rescue.”
On the other hand, they recommended calling the department if a seal is injured or threatened on your property. A cop came and moved this sleepy seal onto the porch to a safer area away from dogs and vehicles.
What a cute little seal! Imagine the surprise if you discovered it right outside your door!
Encounters with unexpected wildlife often lead to unforgettable moments, and one family in New Zealand experienced just that when they discovered an adorable baby seal taking a nap on their front porch. The Department of Conservation has shared a heartwarming photo of a keken, or fur seal, that explains its unexpected journey from the sea to a cozy spot on the family’s doorstep. New Zealand’s ‘silly seal season’, which runs from May to September, is when young pups and adult male seals venture outside their colonies. This period often leads to charming encounters as the seals explore different areas, surprising the inhabitants and creating unique stories.
In this particular case, the adventurous seal embarked on an impressive journey, climbing the steps to the causeway, crossing roads, hiking trails, and driveways, and finally making it to the front porch for a peaceful nap. The conservation department stressed that although seals may appear thin or sick during this season, this is completely normal and they usually require rest rather than rescue. This phenomenon adds a touch of enchantment to the local environment and shows the resilience and adaptability of these marine animals.
In addition, an unexpected visitor to the family, identified as a kekeno or seal native to New Zealand, turned a routine day into a pleasant encounter with nature. Such incidents exemplify the coexistence of wildlife and human habitats and offer a gentle reminder of the wonders that can be found right on our front doors. The charming image of a seal resting on the porch not only brought joy to the family but also served as an encouraging story about the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world, even in residential areas.