A RARE VISITOR

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 15, 12 October 1927, Page 13

A RARE VISITOR

SEA LEOPARD AT AUCKLAND.

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, Otcober 11.

'A fine specimen of a sea leopard swam through the surf at Karekare yesterday afternoon, gazed at the pleasing outlook with rnild eyes, and then strolled up ou the beach. It was noticed by Miss Kathleen Farley, and, bent ou capture, the Karekare residents turned out in force. The animal showed fight, and a disposition to return to the water as speedily as possible, but it was lassooed round the head and tail, and then, despite violent struggles, it was fledged to the boardinghouse, where it was accommodated in the stable for the night. The animal was accepted as a gift from the Karekare residents for the Auckland Zoo, and to-day it was brought by motor-lorry to its new home, where it at once showed a fondness for fish, and an indication to settle down peacefully with other marine exhibits. The sea leopard is seven feet in length, and a beautiful soft grey colour, interspersed with black spots. It is a very rare visitor to such a high latitude as Karekare, and was evidently a wanderer from colder seas.