A baby fur seal has spent the afternoon sunning itself on the steps of the Sydney Opera House after earlier sightings of seals frolicking in the harbour over the past few days.



The unauthorised mammal arrival is believed to have entered Sydney Harbour without the knowledge of port authorities earlier on Thursday.

There's a seal on the steps of the Opera House, enjoying the morning sun. Someone called the police. Relax people! pic.twitter.com/RsFX2YrMcg — Rami Mandow (@CosmicRami) October 2, 2014

A Harbour parks ranger, Chad Weston, told the ABC the seal may have been in the area for more than a week, although it is a rare occurrence for seals to be spotted in the harbour.



“Once it dries out, it jumps back into the water for a dip, then returns to the steps to sun itself.

“There is some indication the the seal has been in the area for a week or so, but this is the first time it has hauled out at the Opera House location, and it been here since about three or four o’clock this morning.”

This one is especially for @sealspeak live from the #Sydney Opera House pic.twitter.com/07Ar0p7yJN — John Donegan (@John__Donegan) October 2, 2014

The NSW environment department suggested the seal was not in fact sunning itself, but was actually attempting to regulate its heat. “Not waving, thermoregulating! Sydney’s harbour seal out and about this morn.”

Not waving, thermoregulating! Sydney's harbour seal out and about this morn. pic.twitter.com/9IUxbfgklC — Environment+Heritage (@OEHmedia) October 2, 2014

Seals have been spotted recently around Sydney, with another sighting in Darling Harbour last week. There are also reports NSW police were alerted to the presence of the seal, although they have not confirmed whether these reports are accurate.

New Zealand fur seals are distinguished by their external ears and hind flippers, according to to the New Zealand government’s conservation department. They spend much of their time on rocky shores.

The New Zealand government advises seals to be treated with caution, recommending that onlookers stay 20 metres away from them.



