COOLUM has proved to be the perfect spot for a little rest and relaxation with a new visitor in town – a juvenile long-nosed fur seal who has decided that Coolum is the perfect spot to recuperate.

The little seal was first spotted on Wednesday, August 26 and since then has become quite a star with many regular beach walkers curious about the condition of the seal.

Relevant marine authorities were contacted and it was confirmed that the juvenile long-nosed fur seal did have a little wound on its front left flipper, however authorities gave it the “seal of approval” to recuperate as it saw fit at its chosen spot.

Local environmental group Coolum and North Shore Coast Care has been looking after ‘Dolly’ and making sure the community is respectful to her as she rests up.

“The community has been fantastic,” Coast Care’s Dani Tippo said.

“Little Dolly is recovering well, and we are so thankful that people have been appreciating that she needs her rest and to keep their distance.”

With news of the passing of the great Dolly Parton breaking on the same day, Dani said that naming the little seal ‘Dolly’ was a fitting tribute.

“We have been super blessed to see Dolly come and visit us, and it is very special that she has chosen Coolum to visit,” Dani said.

Just like her namesake, the community has fallen in love with Dolly the seal however, the community are being asked to continue to let her rest up and keep their distance.

“We will continue to give her the space she needs to heal, and she will hang around for as long as she needs to and then will make her way back south.”

Seals are not often seen in our region, however they are spotted every couple of years and Dolly has certainly proven to be a star. People are keen to spot her from afar – however, please be mindful if you do see her and keep your distance.

The long-nosed fur seal which is also called the New Zealand fur seal is a marine mammal which mostly lives in the rocky coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand.

Young juveniles are great explorers and will often travel vast distances whilst hunting and foraging for food. Young, non-breeding seals will often pop up in warmer waters such as those along our coastline whilst they are on one of their exploratory exhibitions.

If you spot an injured animal, please contact Coast Care on 0478 435 377.