Harbor Seal Makes Rare Swim Up East River
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Some New Yorkers were caught by surprise Friday as a harbor seal was spotted swimming in the East River.
The mammal, which was spotted in the water near 91st Street behind Gracie Mansion earlier in the morning, quickly attracted a little crowd.
Park rangers called the Riverhead Foundation to check up on the young seal, but they say it seemed healthy before it plunged back into the water.
They put it's age at about one year.
One ranger says he's seen his fair share of seals hanging out in the Hudson, but this is the first one spotted relaxing in the East River.
"It looks healthy and you know, just out exploring, enjoying the sun today."
"He was so excited, 'ah look sea lion, sea lion,' and he's (kissing) making sounds."
The Riverhead Foundation will continue to monitor the seal as long as it wants to hang out on Manhattan's shores.
The city's Parks Department put out statement saying it's glad to get a "seal of approval" from native wildlife.