STAFF REPORTER

There is nothing wrong with a sea lion seen on the beach at Mindarie Keys marina over the past few days, the Department of Environment and Conservation has assured.

The sea lion (similar in bulk to the one pictured) was first spotted and reported to DEC on Saturday and has since been monitored daily by wildlife officers.

DEC’s Wildcare Helpline has been inundated with calls from people concerned about the health of the aquatic mammal.

Senior wildlife officer Rick Dawson said the beast was in good health and simply resting.

“People should not approach this animal as they can be aggressive and they are able to move surprisingly quickly,” Mr Dawson said.

“Male sea lions grow to about two metres long, can weigh up to 300 kilograms, and are very strong.”

The Australian sea lion is a threatened species and is one of the rarest sea lions in the world.

Mr Dawson said it was natural for sea lions to laze around on sandy beaches, occasionally taking a dip in the water and repeatedly waving their flippers in the air.

“This behaviour may appear as though the animal is in distress but it is how they regulate their body temperature,” he said.

“This sea lion has hauled up at the marina for a rest.

“It does not require any assistance.”