Amazing photos as cute sea-critter has a play on our beach

They come around every year, but it didn’t stop this little guy from delighting a crowd who watched from a distance. See the photos here

Felicity Doyle captured these images of a long nose fur seal who came ashore at Brooms Head on Sunday for a play

A little visitor to Brooms Head beach caused quite a stir on Sunday, and while experts say it’s a common sight, it still delighted many who saw it.

A small seal came ashore on the Brooms Head main beach, playing in front of the rocks down from the Snack Shak.

Felicity Doyle captured a few photos of the little guy from a distance and said it was quite unperturbed at the interest as they watched him play in the waves.

Felicity Doyle captured these images of a long nose fur seal who came ashore at Brooms Head on Sunday for a play

“We were just up on the hill in front of our place playing with the kids and we noticed a couple of people looking at something near the shore and from the hill at first it looked like a turtle,” she said.

“Then we realised what it was, and he was there for a good half an hour or more.”

Operations manager with Dolphin Marine Conservation park Kieran Marshall said that both they and National Parks and Wildlife were monitoring the long nose fur seal, and said they were spotted at this time each year as they come off their weaning period.

“When they’re around 18 months old, sometimes they come from New Zealand and from down south just exploring and eating fish,” he said.

“Sometimes they come in super emaciated as they haven’t had food, but this one is in good body condition and very active.”

Felicity Doyle captured these images of a long nose fur seal who came ashore at Brooms Head on Sunday for a play

Mr Marshall said it was important if people saw the seals on the beach to report it either to Dolphin Marine or National Parks and to give it a wide berth.

“The approach distance is 40 metres … they are still a wild animal and can bite,” he said.

“It’s also important to be wary of dogs around them.”