A leopard seal enjoys the sun at Smaills Beach. The leopard seal resting in the afternoon sun on Smaills Beach yesterday had a good reason for his bout of lethargy. Each year a small number arrived on the Otago coast, and were usually seen here between June and late November. Leopard seals were distinctive, with a prominent head often described as ''reptilian or prehistoric''. Doc was keen to hear of sightings so it could understand leopard seals' habitat use and manage threats they faced while visiting the region.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 16, 2016 18:04 UTC