BEACHGOERS are being asked not to approach or feed a seal pup underneath Frankston pier.
The female seal has made Frankston beach its temporary home after coming ashore early last week. Wildlife volunteers are keeping a daily watch on the seal’s behaviour and wellbeing.
Australian Wildlife Assistance Rescue and Education president Jackie Brown said people are welcome to take photographs from behind orange mesh barriers erected by Frankston Council.
“We’re asking people not to approach and not to feed or stress her,” Ms Brown said.
“If we’re going to give her that chance to get out there and survive and do well then she needs to not be fed or handled in any way, shape or form.”
Ms Brown said the seal pup is “doing well”, is active and has been feeding.
Suspected fish hooks in the seal’s back turned out to be superficial barnacle injuries after an assessment by Melbourne Zoo officials.
“Other than being a bit small and underweight and needing some good rest [she’s fine]. She’s got to learn to hunt … so she needs some time for peace and quiet and if we don’t humanise her or stress her out she’ll get stronger and will be able to get out there on her own.”
AWARE Wildlife Rescue is always keen to hear from volunteers who have time to “seal watch”. See awarewildlife.org.au for details.
