The seal, affectionately named ‘Stella’, was brought into care by Dolphin Marine Magic (DMM) staff on August 5.

“Staff from Dolphin Marine Magic and ORRCA Inc have been working together with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for several weeks to monitor this seal,” DMM Life Sciences manager Aaron Tolley said.

“The seal was doing well initially, staying just south of the Stuarts Point township for the first week. Unfortunately the seal then changed its behaviour and began to interact to guests at the Stuarts Point Holiday Park, despite the best efforts of the park managers to stop this interaction. For the safety and protection of park guests and the seal, the decision was made to relocate the seal from this area.”

DMM’s Dr Duan March said the seal came in to the centre with good body condition and an old wound, which had healed well.

Mr Tolley said Stella’s history guided their decision on where to return the animal to the ocean.

“Because of the previous history of human interaction, we chose an offshore release site to avoid this situation occurring again. People often think that they are helping a wild animal by providing it with food but the reality is that this is not the case,” Mr Tolley said.

“Feeding wild animals actually causes them to associate humans with food which can lead to aggressive incidents between the animal and people. It may also cause the animal to lose natural behaviours that the animal needs to survive in the wild.”

“It is common to see seals hauled out and resting along the NSW coastline during this part of the year however often these seals do not need assistance and should be left alone.

“If you do see a seal that you believe may be in distress, keep dogs and children well away from the animal, do not approach or attempt to touch the seal. Call Dolphin Marine Magic on 6659-1900 or ORRCA Inc or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, for an expert assessment of the animal.”