How did a young seal end up in a bin at the back of the Portland RSL?

The pup’s mysterious appearance at the has prompted an investigation, with authorities appealing for information.

Zara Cuthbertson
October 06, 2025

Portland locals are used to seeing seals lazing on the breakwater or popping up in the harbour - but one turning up in a bin of grass clippings behind the RSL was a first.

The seal was discovered around 9.30 am last Tuesday (30 September) in a small metal rubbish bin in the backyard of the Portland RSL Sub-Branch, on the corner of Percy and Gawler Streets.

According to the RSL’s Facebook post, the seal was “very agile” as rescuers tried to keep it calm.

It appeared thin and had an eye injury, but settled on the soft cuttings while help arrived.

Why do these 3,500kg giants of the sea wash up on the south west coast?

The world’s largest seals, once nearly hunted to extinction, now face new dangers as warming waters impact their playgrounds and food supply.

An officer from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action attended the scene, and then contacted Melbourne Zoo. The pup was taken to Zoos Victoria’s Marine Response Unit for veterinary assessment.

Portland police, a DEECA officer and a local wildlife handler transferred the pup into a wheelie bin for safe transport. Image: Portland RSL Sub-Branch

The Conservation Regulator is now appealing for information from the public, with police investigating possible human involvement in how the seal ended up there.

Seals and other marine mammals are protected under Victoria’s Wildlife Act 1975, and there are strict penalties for touching or feeding them.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

If you come across a seal in the wild, keep your distance - at least 30 metres on land - and call the Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678 if it appears injured or entangled.

Header image: Portland RSL Sub-Branch