A one-eyed seal has been welcomed with open flippers by her new friends at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
Nine-year-old female Saturday will now call the Mooloolaba aquarium home, after being rescued at Surfers Paradise.
Originally in the care of Sea World, she joined the Seal Island colony at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast after extensive rehabilitation.
She was found with corneal opacity and irreparable damage to her right eye, and after vet examination it was deemed to be in her best interest to have her eye removed.
Mammals Manager at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, Carla Haskell, said Saturday was composed and laid-back.
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She was introduced to the colony last week and she received a warm welcome from her new seal friends.
“We are so excited to welcome Saturday, a Long-Nosed Fur Seal to our colony here at Seal Island,” she said.
“We currently have two resident Long Nosed Fur Seals that are super excited to have another member join them.
“Saturday is a lovely calm seal and we look forward to seeing her thrive in this new environment under the care of our dedicated team.”
Visitors at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium can see Saturday enjoying her new home.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast runs daily seal presentations at their Seal Island exhibit, and also offers the opportunity to get up close with these curious creatures with their Seal Swim and Seal Encounter experiences.