Rogue seal shows up at KFC in Auckland’s Papakura gets chased by police

A seal is currently being chased by police officers as it hops from one garden to another in Papakura, causing chaos for residents. 

The flippered creature had initially run amok on Subway Rd, disturbing businesses before jumping onto Great South Rd and halting traffic and then entering people’s gardens on Coles Cres. 

It even had a standoff with a police car, but the animal continues to escape officers’ grips 

It was a very unusual start to a routine work shift for KFC Papakura staff member Jonny Wimpress when a seal jumped in front of him. 

“It came out of nowhere. 

“I was sitting in the van at the car park when I saw it first. It nearly knocked me off my feet. 

“It is a big old boy.” 

It was a very unusual start to a routine work shift for KFC Papakura staff member Jonny Wimpress when a seal jumped in front of him. Photo / Jonny Wimpress

He said it was about 10am when the fearless animal failed to stop when confronted by a police car on Subway Rd. 

“It started running around. The police had a standoff with it. 

“It went through the KFC car park then around businesses, they had to close the road. 

“It even jumped onto Great South Rd, the main highway. Now it has entered people’s gardens on Coles Cres. 

“It is chaos.” 

Rogue seal causes havoc in Auckland's Papakura. Photo / Jonny Wimpress

Wimpress said there were currently three police cars attending the scene and officers luring the creature to come out. 

“I don’t know what they plan to do with it afterwards.” 

A police spokesperson said officers had been busy sealing off an area in Papakura this morning. 

“It appears a seal is trying out their land flippers. 

“We have road police units currently assisting on Coles Crescent to ensure our furry friend is kept safe, as are our motorists. 

“Department of Conservation has been informed of the seal-y behaviour.” 

DoC acting operations manager Helen Rowlands said the seal had possibly come into the area from the Pahurehure inlet. 

“Seals are exploratory by nature and often make their way into urban areas. This seal has made its way to a residential address. 

“The Department of Conservation is supporting the Police to manage the seal and ensure it is not causing harm to itself or people. 

“We have a trained volunteer on site, and DoC staff are working on options to usher or transport the seal back to the water.” 

This article was first published by the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.