Seal spotted in unlikely sydney waterway, raises health concerns

A New Zealand fur seal has been spotted in a Sydney river, prompting wildlife rescue teams to monitor its movements amid concerns over its health.

Rescue efforts underway in cooks river

The seal was first seen on February 22 near the mouth of the Cooks River in Marrickville, inner western Sydney, and has since been tracked to several small creeks in the area.

Wildlife experts from the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (Orrca) were called in to assist after local resident Tim Gillard snapped photos of the animal resting on a concrete slab by the river's edge.

Orrca spokesperson Craig Ryan said the seal appeared to be in declining condition, possibly needing rest and new sources of food away from predators.