Salty the Seal returns to Geelong at Mind Body Salt

A local icon who used to sit proudly inside Smorgy’s in Geelong has made a triumphant return at a local salt therapy and wellness spa.

Mind Body Salt employee Stacey Dando with Salty the Seal. Picture: Mike Dugdale

A familiar face who used to sit proudly inside Smorgy’s in Geelong has made a triumphant comeback.

Salty the Seal has returned to the region and is currently on display at wellness spa Mind Body Salt in East Geelong.

Salty is well-known by Geelong locals who used to dine at all-you-can-eat buffet chain Smorgy’s on Cunningham Pier.

The restaurant had an underwater theme and Salty, along with King Neptune, were the venue’s main attractions.

The pair would put on a show with music while diners enjoyed their meal.

Salty the Seal at Smorgy's Restaurant on Cunningham Pier in 2009.

Mind Body Salt owner Dan Riches said the business was looking for a winter ambassador and thought the “iconic seal” would be the perfect promoter.

“Everyone over the age of 25 knows who Salty the Seal is,” he said.

“I did a bit of research and got in touch with Salty’s owner so was beyond excited and supportive.”

Mr Riches said customers’ jaws drop when they see Salty in front of their eyes.

“It’s like your childhood best friend has come back,” he said.

“It’s been amazing.”

As a kid living in Geelong, Mr Riches vividly remembered Salty and King Neptune.

“We would always go to Smorgy’s for parties and basketball break-ups,” he said.

“Even if you were in the line (for the buffet), as soon as you would hear the music, you would drop your plate and run to where Salty and King Neptune were (on display).”

When Smorgy’s closed in 2009, Salty was taken to Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary.

It’s understood he had been placed into storage at the sanctuary before he was found in about 2020 and has since been living at a home in Point Cook.

Salty the Seal prepares to head off to Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary in 2009.

Mr Riches hopes to one day reunite Salty with King Neptune.

Salty the Seal will be on display until the end of July at Mind Body Salt at 508 Ryrie St in East Geelong.

For more details, head to mindbodysalt.com.au.

Originally published as Salty the Seal returns to Geelong at Mind Body Salt