A young seal spotted crossing Hutt Road has been safely returned to the water after Wellington Police and the Department of Conservation worked together to move it out of danger.
Police received reports just after 1pm on Sunday 27 September that the seal was crossing Hutt Road, with a number of Wellingtonians spotting it as it moved through the area.
Officers later located the seal near Wellington Railway Station.
The animal appeared to be trying to make its way back towards the harbour, but doing so would have required it to cross the road again.
Wellington Police Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley said officers worked with the Department of Conservation to safely move the seal.
With guidance from DOC, officers were able to lift the animal and transport it to a safer location before releasing it back into the water.
Constables Taylor and Leitch transported the seal to a beach for the release.
Constable Taylor said the unusual callout was part of the variety officers could encounter on the job.
“When I joined Police 15 months ago they said to be ready for anything, so I guess this demonstrates that’s true!”
Police said people who encounter seals in potentially dangerous situations should not attempt to move the animals themselves.
Where a seal is creating an immediate road safety issue, people should contact Police for assistance.
