Whale Island Seals
(Kekeno)
Absent in recorded history until the 1990s when several large bulls made themselves present for several months and then over time a few females and then young ones started to show around the shore.
At first they settled just in behind the North Western tip of the Island but the face was very steep and exposed.
Now the seals have settled on the Eastern end of the Island and McEwans Bay.
The larger seals are quite playful and will make close passes at our divers and swimmers blowing bubbles from their noses as they go.
It appears as though these seals may have migrated from lower North Island colonies.
The arrival of the seals has created more sightings of Orca Whales.
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