Family discovers an unexpected animal napping on their porch: a seal pup
You never know what kind of animal you might find right outside your doorstep. Recently, one family got quite a surprise after a very unexpected animal wandered far from home and decided to take a nap on their porch.
According to a Facebook post from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, a family in Wellington discovered a seal pup outside their home last week, curling up for a cozy nap on their porch:
The Department of Conservation reported, “The animal had embarked on quite a journey, ascending the seawall stairs, traversing a road, hiking along a footpath, navigating a driveway, and finally climbing another set of stairs before arriving at its resting place.”
“It is not an everyday occurrence to return home and discover a seal nestled on your front porch.”
The animal in question is a New Zealand fur seal, also known as kekeno. Despite its designation, it is not a true seal but is more closely related to sea lions.
It is not unusual for young seals to appear in such locations during this season: from May to September, this period is referred to as “seal silly season” in New Zealand, when young pups and adult males venture away from their colonies.
During this time, these seals tend to explore their surroundings, leading to frequent sightings in roadways, public areas, and even within residential properties.
The Department of Conservation emphasizes that such behavior is typical for seals, advising that they should be allowed to continue their activities with minimal interference. They noted on Facebook, “While they may appear thin or unwell, exhibiting symptoms such as watery eyes and coughing, this is a normal state for seals, which are remarkably resilient creatures. What seals require is rest, not rescue.”
Nonetheless, they recommend contacting the department if a seal is found on private property, particularly if it is injured or in peril. In the instance of the seal resting on a porch, an officer was dispatched to safely relocate it away from potential threats such as dogs and vehicular traffic.