It’s the time of year when young seals (kekeno) show up on the beach to rest. Chris Wood sent us this photo on Friday 16 July 2021.
Remember to keep your distance and to keeps dogs, kids and vehicles well away. Don’t get between a seal and the sea.
NZ Fur seals are pinnipeds and are also known as Kekeno.
Eared seals include fur seals and sea lions. They have external ears, hind flippers they can turn forward under the body and walk on and no fur on the under side of their flippers. New Zealand examples are the New Zealand fur seal and New Zealand sea lion.
All seals, whales and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.
If you see anyone disturbing fur seals call the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and report it.