A wild encounter interrupted a quiet, rainy night at a pub in Richmond, on New Zealand’s South Island, when a young seal pup wandered inside while patrons enjoyed craft beer and pizza.
Pub owner Bella Evans recounted to the Associated Press that the tiny visitor at the door initially looked like a dog until a closer inspection revealed otherwise. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh my gosh. What do we do? What’s going on?’” she remembered, describing the astonishment shared by customers and staff.
One patron tried to guide the seal out with a towel, but the animal slipped past, darted into the bathroom, and eventually tucked itself beneath the dishwasher. Staff quickly shut off power to the appliance to keep the pup safe.
Another guest rushed home to grab a dog cage, while Evans pondered how to coax the animal out of its hiding place. Then she recalled that the menu’s salmon dish could be used as an incentive.
“I just looked at my fiancé and said, ‘Grab the salmon!’” Evans explained. As staff attempted to lure the pup with food, animal control officers were already en route.
Young seals are known to show up in unlikely places at this time of year in New Zealand, a period locals scientists refer to as “silly season” due to the animals’ habit of exploring far beyond their usual habitats.
And this is the part many readers find intriguing: how do communities handle such unexpected wildlife visits while keeping both humans and animals safe? Would you handle a similar situation any differently?
