A seal waddles into a bar. The bartender says 'Grab the salmon!'

WELLINGTON, New Zealand A young seal unexpectedly wandered into a craft beer bar, creating a scene that left patrons and staff equally astonished. The marine visitor, far too young for any drinks, ended up hiding under the dishwasher instead of exiting gracefully.

On a quiet, drizzly Sunday evening, the baby fur seal made its way into the Sprig + Fern The Meadows bar in Richmond, located on New Zealands South Island. Bar co-owner Bella Evans, used to a pet-friendly environment, initially mistook the guest for a dog before realizing the true identity of the intruder.

Everyone was stunned, Evans recalled. What do we do? How do we handle this?

One customer tried to gently usher the seal out through the back door with a sweater, but the animal eluded capture, darting into a restroom before settling under the unplugged dishwasher. Another patron returned with a dog crate, and Evans devised a plan involving a pizza special to lure the seal from its hiding spot. I told my fianc, Grab the salmon! Grab the salmon! she said.

Shortly after, conservation rangers arrived, already tracking the seal. Evans noted that the rangers had received multiple calls that day, searching for the young seal in the neighborhood. New Zealands conservation authorities confirmed numerous public reports of the seal before it appeared at the bar.

Department of Conservation spokesperson Helen Otley praised the staff for their handling of the situation, ensuring the seal remained safe until the rangers could take over.

The seal, later named Fern by bar staff, was released on Rabbit Island, a safe, dog-free location. Otley explained that young seals often explore rivers and streams, sometimes traveling up to 15 km (9 miles) inland, and appearing in unusual places is normal behavior during this time of year.

Successful conservation efforts in New Zealand have increased seal and sea lion populations, resulting in more frequent interactions with humans. Scientists refer to this period as an annual silly season, when the animals can show up in unexpected locations, including houses, golf courses, and busy roads.

Evans, who recently opened the pub with her partner, said Fern was the first uninvited patron she had to manage, but she welcomed the seal back. Theres been a running joke that weve got the seal of approval, she said.

Author: Maya Henderson