The sub-Antarctic fur seal was quite content as it rested on the beach near Griffith Street.

However, its proximity to the horse-training area, and increasing pedestrian traffic and dogs, forced the Department of Environment and Conservation to move it to a safer location at Two Peoples Bay.

DEC wildlife officer Peter Collins said the seal first appeared on Sunday and appeared to be in good condition considering it was 2000km from home.

“It is in a better overall condition than many we have seen, although perhaps a little thin,” he said.

“Moving it to a quieter beach will enable it to spend more time recuperating before moving on.”

Mr Collins said it was not unusual to see seals in the area, but they were mainly the local New Zealand fur seals.

“I expect it to rest up for a couple more days then disappear,” he said.