The sick seal that made a popular Wellington beach its home will be euthanised after vets deemed its chances of survival as slim.
Marine science advisor at the Department of Conservation (DOC) Laura Boren said in a statement a foreign object was found embedded in the seal's neck.
"Likely to be a dogfish spine, and was also quite skinny with low reserves."
Boren said a vet who visited the seal on Oriental Bay deemed euthanisation as "the kindest option".
"The vet did not believe that removing the spine would improve the seal's chances of survival."
The seal will be moved to a secluded location where it will be euthanised and then buried.
DOC was informed of the seal's presence on Sunday morning and urged Wellingtonians to leave it alone.
Video shared on Twitter shows what looks like DOC staff and vets from Wellington Zoo moving the seal in a large white sack.
