You never really know what kind of surprise could be lounging right outside your door. In one recent case, a family in Wellington got more than they bargained for when an unusually adorable guest decided their front porch was the perfect spot for a nap.
According to a Facebook post from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, this opportunistic napper was none other than a seal pup. Picture this: a tiny seal pup curling up for a cozy snooze on their porch. The Department of Conservation shared, “It had been on a bit of a mission, climbing up the seawall stairs, crossing a road, hiking up a footpath, a driveway, and finally another set of stairs, before reaching its nap spot.” I think we can all agree: That’s quite the trek for such short limbs!
Who was this daring little explorer, you ask? Behold, the New Zealand fur seal, or as the locals call it, kekeno. And no, despite their furriness, these little guys are not true seals. They’re actually closer kin to sea lions. But let’s be honest; who cares about taxonomic accuracy when you’ve got a baby seal napping on your porch? (Answer: not a single soul).
Why, you might wonder, are these seals taking their napping adventures to new heights and unexpected locales? It’s all thanks to what Kiwis endearingly call “seal silly season,” spanning May through September. It’s during these months that young pups and adult males leave their colonies to venture out into the big, wide world. With all this newfound freedom, they explore everything from public parks to — you guessed it — people’s homes.
Now, here’s where things get interesting (and relatable). The Department of Conservation wants everyone to keep their cool and let these pups handle their business without much fuss: “They might look skinny or sick, with weepy eyes and a cough, but this is normal – seals are very resilient animals,” they explained on Facebook. “Seals need rest, not rescuing.” This is basically the animal kingdom’s version of, “I’m fine, Mom!”
However, if you find a seal that’s injured or in a perilous situation, make sure to call in the professionals instead of attempting some DIY seal rescue operation. In the case of our sleepy porch guest, an officer arrived to give the little wanderer a lift to a safer spot, away from potential dangers like dogs and traffic.
So, the next time you come across an unexpected guest, don’t panic. Be ready to appreciate the little marvels of nature right at your doorstep. And always remember, sometimes all they need is a bit of rest before continuing on their intrepid journeys.
