It was peak “silly season,” that time of year when young seals wander into places no seal has any business being. Golf courses. Driveways. And on this particular soggy Sunday night, a craft beer bar in Richmond, New Zealand.
The small guest shuffling across the floor looked, at first, like just another dog in the pub’s pet-friendly crowd. Co-owner Bella Evans leaned in for a better look and realized her new patron had flippers.
“Everyone froze,” she said. “What do we do? What is happening?”
The seal—lost, curious, and impressively quick—dodged attempts to guide it outside. A customer tried herding it with a sweater. The seal zipped into the bathroom, then vanished under the dishwasher, prompting staff to unplug the appliance like seasoned wildlife handlers who absolutely planned for this.
Another patron sprinted home for a dog crate while Evans devised a baiting strategy worthy of a cooking show. The special topping that night happened to be salmon, so she went straight to her fiancé: “Grab the salmon!”
While the bar waited for conservation rangers, staff learned the team was already searching for the runaway. This seal had racked up calls all over town.
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation later confirmed it had received a flood of sightings before the little explorer arrived at the bar. Rangers praised the staff for keeping the animal safe until they arrived.
The seal was released on nearby Rabbit Island, a dog-free spot perfect for a young wanderer. According to the DoC, adventurous pups often head miles inland this time of year, following rivers and curiosity in equal measure.
Evans has only been running the pub for a few months, and this marked her first seal eviction. Staff named the visitor Fern, and the bar is already leaning into the joke.
They’re calling it their official seal of approval.
Original article published here.
