Seal pup receives police escort back to water after road crossing
Monday 28 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Department of Conservation
A seal pup was assisted back to the sea after being spotted crossing Hutt Road in Wellington on Sunday. Police were called to the scene near the railway station to help the animal. The Department of Conservation reported a 200% increase in seal sightings along the Wellington coastline recently.
Key facts
4 facts
- Seal pup spotted crossing Hutt Road at 1pm on Sunday
- DOC received nearly 75 calls in 72 hours
- Seal sightings increased by 200% compared to normal levels
- The 'seal silly season' occurs from June through to September
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A seal pup was escorted back to the water by police after being spotted crossing Hutt Road just after 1pm on Sunday. Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley stated the pup was found near the Wellington train station and appeared to be heading for the water, which would have required crossing the road again.
Police and Department of Conservation (DOC) staff worked together to move the animal. "With guidance from DOC, our staff were able to uplift the seal and drive it to a safe place where it was released into the water," Bentley said. Constables Taylor and Leitch assisted in taking the pup to the beach for its release.
The Department of Conservation reported a 200% increase in seal sightings over a 72-hour period. Principal ranger Simon Heard noted the department received almost 75 calls during this time, which is significantly higher than expected even during the annual 'seal silly season'.
Sightings occurred along the Wellington coastline, including the Petone-Wellington cycleway, Wellington Airport, and Parliament grounds. One pup was reportedly relocated five times in one day after returning to areas of public activity. Members of the public are urged not to intervene and to call 111 if they see a seal in trouble.
Compiled from reports by RNZ and 1News.