Marine experts have called for greater education on aquatic life after the death of a seal believed to be a local celebrity known as Sammy.
Key Details
- On Wednesday, Zoos Victoria reported finding a deceased seal on the Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne.
- Zoos Victoria could not confirm whether the seal was Sammy due to a lack of original DNA samples, but locals believe it was.
- The cause of death has not been determined; tests are underway.
Background
Sammy the seal gained popularity after influencer Bec Watson created a Facebook page for the animal, narrating as the seal. The page accumulated over 8,000 followers. Watson stated she maintained a safe distance when photographing the seal and delayed posting locations to discourage visits.
Expert Statements
"More people in Port Phillip Bay are injured by seals than by sharks," said Jeff Weir, Executive Director of the Dolphin Research Institute. Weir noted that while most people respect seals, some engage in risky behavior, such as placing children on the animal for photographs.
Marine biologist Saia Bartes explained that seals rest on land to recover energy from foraging and that human disturbance can be detrimental. She also highlighted risks of disease transfer and advised maintaining distance from wildlife.
Influencer Reflection
After the seal's death, Watson expressed regret over creating the persona and apologized. She acknowledged that social media can be used for education, but only if done without disturbing wildlife.