The 18-month-old seal was found malnourished and exhausted when it was rescued at South Curl Curl Beach during Sydney's wild storms.
Now, less than two weeks later, the young long-nose fur seal named ‘Elvis’ has been released back into its habitat at Sydney Headlands by Taronga Wildlife Hospital staff.
Taronga's senior veterinarian Larry Vogelnest told media, staff gave him the name because he likes to shuffle.
"He looked fantastic and alert in the water, so we can only hope he grows up to be a big, healthy seal," Mr Vogelnest says.
"He was initially a bit hesitant to get in the water, but eventually he dived in and started swimming strongly."
Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Marine Mammal Rescue and Research – Australia (ORRCA) and the RSPCA had been monitoring wildlife along South Curl Curl Beach.
On June 17, they diagnosed Elvis with malnutrition and exhaustion and took him to hospital where they gave him antibiotics and fed him fresh fish.
“He was pretty feisty when he first arrived at the hospital, which was a good indicator that he’d be a suitable candidate for short-term care and release,” says Mr Vogelnest.
A Taronga hospital spokesperson says it is likely Elvis is newly independent from his mother, and it’s not "uncommon that young seals [who go] off on their own for the first time” run into trouble such as storms like the ones that hit Sydney earlier this month.
Taronga Wildlife Hospital nurses Elvis back to health. Source: Supplied/Taronga Wildlife Hospital
ORRCA vice president Shona Lorigan says Elvis is one of 62 young seals that have run into trouble in 2015 - nearly triple the amount from the same period last year.
"Our belief is that this year's large numbers are the result of a very successful pupping season in 2014-2015, combined with the huge storms earlier this month that really smashed the little seals around," Ms Lorigan told media.
Taronga hospital's Mr Vogelnest says Elvis may stay in Sydney waters in the short-term, but will likely head south to join seal colonies such as the nearest one on Montague Island off the coast of southern NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) advises if you see a seal that has come ashore give it the space to rest and recover and approach authorities before intervening. People can report injured seals to NPWS by calling 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) or ORRCA on 9415 3333.
