Observers from Orcca Whale Rescue and the Surf Life Saving Association try to keep warm while they watch over the leopard seal at Bellambi yesterday. Pictures: KIRK GILMOUR

An injured leopard seal found resting near Bellambi boat ramp earlier this week is in no hurry to return to the ocean.The young adult seal was found lying on the beach next to the ramp early on Wednesday morning, suffering a head injury believed caused by a cookiecutter shark.Wildlife volunteers and vets had hoped it would simply spend a few hours dozing before heading out to sea in search of food. However, the seal was stubbornly staying put yesterday afternoon.

NEW PHOTOS: Beached leopard seal at BellambiAlthough they spend much of their time in the ocean, usually in Antarctic waters, it is not unusual for leopard seals to hang about on land for a few days, or even weeks at a time, a spokesperson for whale, dolphin and seal rescue organisation ORCCA said.National Parks and Wildlife Service area manager Ian Brown said the seal was not in any pain and was otherwise healthy."The vet came out again this morning and there are no problems, the seal was looking quite content," he said. "We're just going to keep monitoring him ... and hope he decides to move on soon."Mr Brown said it was important to stay away from the animal as it could be aggressive.

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Seal in no hurry to leave Wollongong

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