Seal sunning herself on rocky beach of Kaikoura, New Zealand

I’ve been a fan of the seal people (aka selchie or silkie) tales for many years. When I saw the ungainly creatures sleeping on the rocky beaches of Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island, I could understand why people who live at the sea’s edge have long seen magic in them.

Their eyes are large and luminous. In the sea they swim with the grace of sea dancers. On land they move awkwardly. Fisher folk have seen them come onto the land, drop their seal skins and dance in human form. Some say humans have intermarried with the seal folk.

The stories are enchanting. So is this video. A friend, Glenda, sent it to me. She knows I’m partial to animals. I’ve never seen a seal cuddling with a human. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.