
Photogenic ‘smiling’ seal spotted on N.L beach dies, prompts DFO warning
SALMON COVE, N.L. — What began as a unique photo opportunity ended in sadness last week, as a young harp seal died just a couple of days after it charmed spectators on the shores of a popular Newfoundland beach.
Leona Rockwood went to Salmon Cove Sands on the Avalon Peninsula early Labour Day morning to take some pictures of the sunrise, but was delighted to instead find the marine mammal splayed out on the beach.
In an interview Saturday, she said the animal seemed very calm, occasionally raising its whiskered head and appearing to smile as she took her shots from several feet away.
“He looked totally relaxed. If I talked to him, he would go onto his back, or his belly, or his side, and move his flippers around,” she said.