Marine Mammal Rescue euthanises Black Rock seal

He made waves in recent weeks as the friendly sun-baking seal nicknamed “Rick”, with crowds of people flocking to see him at Bayside beaches. But his life ended yesterday after vets assessed his health.

The seal at Quiet Corner, Black Rock. Picture: Kim Croker, Marine Mammal Rescue Unit volunteer.

A male seal popular with Bayside beachgoers and affectionately nicknamed “Rick” has been euthanised.

Bayside Council confirmed the Australian fur seal, regularly spotted sunbaking at Quiet Corner in Black Rock, was euthanised after a health assessment by the Marine Mammal Rescue Unit vet team.

“He was an older male who was in very poor health,” the council statement said.

“Thanks to Marine Mammal Rescue staff and volunteers as well as South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter for their expert care and assistance.”

Rick had people flocking to Bayside in recent weeks, and was last spotted at Beaumaris Beach near the Central Ave stairs on June 16, and Black Rock Life Saving Club the weekend before.

He was also known to frequent Ricketts Point, earning him his cute moniker, Dalgetty Rd Beach and Mordialloc Pier.

Shanyn Payne Killeen said Rick made people realise how lucky they were to live in Bayside.

People flocked to see Rick in recent weeks. Picture: Shanyn Payne Killeen

“He was very happy just sunning himself while about 20 locals took his picture,” she said.

Seals have become a common occurrence in the bay suburbs, with Brighton Beach, near the Elwood boat ramp, sealed off in August after a furry visitor decided to have a snooze on the sand.

Wild Life Victoria said seals might look friendly, but are wild animals and it is illegal to touch or feed them.

It is an offence to go within 30m of a seal on land or to let a dog under your control go within 50m.

If you believe a seal needs help, call the AGL Marine Mammal Response Unit on 1300 245 678 or Wild Life Victoria on 136 186.