Baby Seal Wanders Into Bar and Makes a Beeline for the Bathroom: "What's the Plan?"

On a quiet Sunday evening in Richmond, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, a young fur seal made an unexpected entrance into the Sprig + Fern The Meadows craft beer bar. The little visitor, seemingly lost and curious, waddled straight into the establishment, much to the astonishment of staff and patrons alike.

Co-owner Bella Evans initially mistook the animal for a dog, given the bar's pet-friendly reputation. "Everyone was stunned," Evans recalled. "Oh my gosh. What do we do? What's happening?"

Attempts to guide the seal out proved challenging. One customer wrapped a sweater around it to escort it to the back door, but the seal darted into a restroom and eventually settled under a dishwasher. Security cameras captured the unusual scene.

To coax the seal from its hiding spot, Evans and her team used a piece of salmon from a pizza special and a dog crate, successfully luring the animal out. Local conservation rangers, who had already been tracking the wandering seal throughout the day, arrived shortly afterward to ensure its safety.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation confirmed the seal had been reported multiple times by the public before arriving at the bar. Spokesperson Helen Otley praised the bar staff for "keeping the seal safe" until the rangers could take over. The seal, affectionately named Fern by the pub staff, was released on nearby Rabbit Island, a secure location free from dogs.

Otley explained that young seals often explore inland via rivers and streams, sometimes traveling up to nine miles. "It's normal exploratory behavior for them to appear in unusual spots, like this bar," she said.

Successful conservation efforts in New Zealand have increased seal and sea lion populations, bringing these animals into closer contact with humans. Scientists describe this period as an annual "silly season," when the animals frequently show up in unexpected places such as homes, roads, and golf courses.

Evans, who has recently taken over the bar with her partner, remarked that Fern was the first unconventional guest she has had to manage, though the seal is welcome to return. "We've got the seal of approval," she joked.

The Department of Conservation also issued a reminder that sea lions may appear in public areas during the summer, with pregnant females seeking safe birthing spots. Authorities urge residents to keep dogs close and drive carefully near coastal regions, emphasizing that every pup is vital to the survival of these rare animals.

Author: Gavin Porter