Nothing to seal here: New Zealand police help stranded pup home

WELLINGTON – New Zealand police came to the rescue of a seal crossing a busy road, helping the perplexed pinniped pup safely back into the water, they said on Sept 28.

The slightly soggy marine mammal was spotted by locals “dangerously” crossing Hutt Road in Wellington in the afternoon of Sept 27, police said.

The creature then attempted to get back to the water, sparking swift action from police and Department of Conservation officials to make sure it did so unharmed.

“The pup appeared grateful for the assistance,” a police statement added.

“Our staff were able to uplift the seal and drive it to a safe place, where it was released into the water,” Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley from Wellington Police said.

“This was collaborative problem-solving, which prevented any further issues for the young seal and for road users.”

A constable who escorted the pup said: “When I joined police 15 months ago they said to be ready for anything, so I guess this demonstrates that’s true.”

The seas around New Zealand are populated with multiple species of seals, who do occasionally wander ashore.

The Department of Conservation reported a 200% increase in sightings on land around Wellington over the weekend, local media said, describing it as “seal silly season”.

Police urged the public to alert them to more runaway seals and not attempt to intervene themselves. AFP