There's a new surfer getting a lot of attention at one beach on the west coast. A surfing seal people are now calling "Sammy" is making waves, though marine experts are mystified by the pup's behavior. News4JAX.com.
During my years as a newspaper reporter, I had the privilege of interviewing dozens of veterinarians and zoologists. As far as I know, in marine wildlife rehab centers, divers' wetsuits are often filled with padding to resemble adult seals. Oftentimes, they have fake teats attached to them, so rescued seal pups can nurse thinking the wetsuit is their mother (The Dodo has a great story on that). Now, as we saw in this video, all of the surfers on this San Diego beach are wearing BLACK WETSUITS. It amazes me that no wildlife experts consulted regarding this baby seal have made the connection that the seal pup probably thinks THEY ARE SEALS TOO! That's why she approaches them without fear or hesitation. That's why the pup continues to seek them out! By the way, kudos to anyone and everyone who has the presence of mind and emotional restraint to respect the seal and NOT touch it. Thank you for this great video. We really enjoyed it.
I surf at this beach and actually saw Sammy myself many different occasions! But one of the rumors in the parking lot going that I cannot confirm is that Sammys' mother was killed by a shark which would definitely further support your explanation.
LOVE this ❤ It's a no Brainerd tho. Sammy's mother was killed by a whale. Sammy's in need of the companionship and protection that his mother would provide. I believe this is why he's befriended the surfers, plus he's having a good time, just as any baby wants
The San Diego news station had more info. People actually witnessed Sammy's Mom killed by a Great White Shark a day BEFORE he started staying close to the humans. :( Sad but they think he's old enough and healthy enough that he can survive in the ocean without any help from the wildlife experts.
