250kg seal pays a visit to Tasmanian winery
Staff at Tasmanian producer La Villa Wines were shocked to discover a 250kg seal among the vines last week, after it made its way 5 kilometres up river from the sea.
The seal was discovered by staff at the Spreyton-based winery on the morning of Wednesday 2 January. It is believed the marine mammal had made its way 5 kilometres up the Mersey River before travelling 700 metres on land.
Speaking to The Advocate, winery owner Marcus Burns said: “He’s had a fair trek. I have heard that they come up the river. But he was about 700 metres from the actual river, and about five kilometres from the ocean.”
Staff were initially worried that the seal, who was found lying among the vines, could be injured.
Burns continued: “He was quite docile and lying on his side.
“I called the Parks and Wildlife service and when they arrived he just got up and walked away.
“He just dropped in to give us the seal of approval.”
Comments on social media appear to indicate that the seal visited others in the neighbourhood after having a snooze in between Pinot Gris vines at La Villa.
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