Overview
- The female seal was first seen on a pontoon at rowing club RIC on 18 September and was still present around Park Somerlust on 19 September.
- Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen matched unique spot patterns in photos to verify it is the same individual previously seen in Utrecht.
- Photo assessments indicate the animal is healthy, so the seal centre will not intervene with a rescue or capture.
- Handhaving agreed to check the site several times daily after a report of two intoxicated people sitting beside the seal, citing bite and disease risks.
- Experts say seals often enter inland waterways to feed on fish like zander and eel, and similar urban sightings have occurred in Amsterdam in past years.