A community gathering will be held on the banks of the Maribyrnong River on Wednesday night to mourn a seal which died last week.
The Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA) are hosting a ‘Seal Send Off Ceremony’ at Afton Street Reserve, Essendon West from 5.30pm-6.30pm on 4 March to mourn the seal which was euthanised last Tuesday after being found to have untreatable injuries.
“Many in our community were deeply moved by the seal who recently spent his final days along the Maribyrnong River,” MRWA co-executive director Nicole Kowalczyk said of the reason for holding the sending off.
“This will be a quiet moment to reflect, pay our respects, and celebrate the living river and all who belong to it.”
The adult male seal first appeared on the banks of the Maribyrnong near Highpoint on Saturday 21 February.
After monitoring it for a number of days, staff from Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit rescued the seal on 24 February, with subsequent veterinary checks showing it suffered severe eye injuries that rendered it blind as well as injuries to its tail fins.
Given the extent of the injuries it was decided that euthanasia was the most humane response.
It’s not uncommon for seals to be found swimming in urban rivers, but it is unusual for them to haul themselves up out of the water.
Anyone who encounters an injured seal should stay at least 30 meters away, or 50 metres if with a dog, and report it to Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678.
