Holiday Watch At Timaru Over “Sammy The Seal”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29391, 19 December 1960, Page 16

Holiday Watch At Timaru Over “Sammy The Seal”

(fteto Zeatana t*ress Association)

TIMARU. December 18. A month ago a 7ft sea lion weighing 5001 b to 6001 b appeared on Caroline Bay suffering from an eye infection and exhaustion It was thought that, like all other occasional visitors from the sea. he would leave after a few days of rest, but he is still here, although time and a local veterinary surgeon have healed him. Watched with tremendous interest by large crowds, the sea lion has flipped his way the length of the bay and around the waterfront almost into ‘he shopping area, and' back to the bay Whether he is rearing up on his flippers barking, or just resting with his nose to the ground he is the centre of attraction. He has become a flrm favourite with all who have visited him—so much so that he is referred to with affection as "Sammy the Seal.” With the approach of the holiday season, which means an influx of thousands of visitors and a certain amount of boisterous celebration, concern has been expressed that he may be unduly disturbed, but it now seems certain he will be well cared foi during the holidays if he chooses to remain. . Tonight, the president of the Timaru branch of the Royal I Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Mr C. C.

Lennon), who is also head of the national body, said that a number of residents had offered to watch Sammy during the holidays, especially at night, and others had said they would contribute toward the cost of employing a full-time guardian. “These are very generous offers from persons who have developed an affection for Sammy over the last tew weeks, and plans are being made for them to take up duty from next week-end,” Mr Lennon said.