The Thames Estuary is known to be home to harbour seals, grey seals, harbour porpoises, with even the occasional dolphin or whales sighting.
A seal has become a favourite of passers-by in west London after it was spotting returning to the same place every day for a whole week.
Photos of the adorable creature show it next to the River Thames, close to St Paul’s school boathouse in Barnes.
It was first sighted on Tuesday “wobbling” up on a ramp in order to keep away from the tides and has made the visit a daily occurance.
Its local supporters watched the seal taking dips in the water in order to stay busy.
According to the Metro, freelance photographer Broni Lloyd-Edwards, who took the photos, described the repeated sighting this close was a ‘very special’ experience.
Lloyd Edwards said that “the RSPCA was called and they said it looked healthy, but it’s quite unusual that it’s been in the same spot all week, so everyone is just keeping an eye out”
She said that a boatman had even “put up a rope to guard the seal from crowds after news of the residency hit the local community”, adding that people are keeping their distance from the new “local celeb”.
Officials from the RSPCA have reportedly been sent to perform checks. They have confirmed that the seal, which is currently moulting, appears calm and healthy. However, officers have informed locals to keep their distance and not try to get the creature to go back into the water.
“We recommend that if a seal is spotted, it should be left alone. Seals can be incredibly strong and powerful wild animals and have a very nasty bite which can cause horrible wounds, which could become infected by the bacteria that live in a seal’s mouth”.
They asked the public “not to get close to seals” to take pictures or even selfies with them “and to keep other animals, such as dogs, away from the seal and keep dogs on leads”.
“If you are concerned about them, observe from a distance for at least 24 hours. If the seal is at risk, is sick or injured, please contact the RSPCA”.
Grey seals and harbour seals have been seen in the Thames before, but it is not typical occurrence that one will repeatedly return to a single spot.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
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