Creatures From The Sea

During the past few weeks two unusual visitors from the sea were sighted on Gisborne's shores.

At the southern end of Wainui beach a sea leopard about ten feet long came ashore. Long and sleek, with a smooth rounded head, it was greyish in colour with black and white spots on its body. This species is abundant in Antarctic waters and is an occasional visitor to New Zealand.

The other creature, believed to be a sea lion, was massive in build and was discovered basking on the rock shelves at Makarori beach.

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The sea leopard rears its head to eye the photographer....

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....and shows its fangs in obvious dislike

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Mr Ranji Ford, a resident of Wainui, views the sea leopard.

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The sea lion rests its bulk on the Makarori rocks