Everyone knows that seals are the dogs of the sea. And like dogs, they love to explore, play and delight humans with their hilarious antics. Last Boxing Day, residents of Launceston had the good fortune to wake up to a fur seal called Lou-seal flopping around the streets (and on cars).
Now, Melburnians have Salvatore: a huge, 200kg+ fur seal who has decided to make the Yarra River his home. The Age has reported that more than 16 reports of a seal in the river have been lodged to Wildlife Victoria, particularly around Richmond, where he's been feasting on fish and slinking around in the water to the bemusement of kayakers and joggers on the Yarra Trail. He's also been spotted as close in as Southbank – so who knows, maybe he'll pay tennis fans a visit at the Australian Open Festival at Birrarung Marr this month.
Most seals live in saltwater environments, but not old mate Salvatore. According to Mark Keenan, unit manager of Melbourne Zoo's Marine Response Unit, Salvatore has "carved himself his own little niche exploiting the river system with no competitors". Keenan has been dealing with Salvatore for years now; back in 2014, the poor guy was found starving to death under a pier in the Maribyrnong River after being entangled in box tape. Since then, the Marine Response Unit have been monitoring his adventures to ensure he doesn't succumb to the dangers of marine debris.
So if you're lucky enough to spot Salvatore in the Yarra, give him a wave – but remember, don't get too close. He might be cute, but he still has teeth.
Via The Age.