The Sydney Seal first caught people’s attention in 2014 when she spent a few days soaking up the sun and gathering adoring fans on the Opera house VIP steps. The New Zealand fur seal has returned a year later with a little seal pup.
The pup takes after mum when it comes to adorable sun-baking displays and a propensity to nap in the middle of the day. The city’s most famous squatter first turned up at the landmark in October 2014, returning last year and now, for the third year in a row.
A number of seals have been seen around the eastern side of the harbour this year a sign that the waterway is also in good condition. The two enjoyed the warm winter’s day, occasionally sliding back in to the water to cool off before returning to the warmth of the concrete stairs.
Social media users have rejoiced over the return of the famed ‘Sydney Seal’. A spokesperson for NSW Environment and Heritage said it was common for seals to ‘haul out’, where they voluntarily leave the water for a short period of time especially during the winter months.