Seal found napping in Tasmania toilet

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Sammy the seal trapped in women's toilets at Devonport in TasmaniaImage source, Devonport City Council
Image caption,
Wildlife officers were able to trap Sammy inside the toilet before sedating him

An Australian fur seal that fell asleep in a public toilet block in Tasmania has been safely relocated.

A council work crew was startled to find the 120kg (265lb) seal, who they named Sammy, taking a nap in the women's toilets at Mersey Vale Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday.

Sammy was sedated and taken to a nearby beach to be released.

The cemetery is about 500m from the ocean and it is believed Sammy may have swum up a creek to reach it.

Image source, Devonport City Council
Image caption,
A tongue-in-cheek sign was placed at the entrance of the bathroom facilities

A spokeswoman for Devonport City Council told the BBC the arrival of Sammy was "highly unusual".

"They are quite common on the beaches. Local fishermen often complain about them stealing their fish," she said.

"He came and posed for a few photos for us, which was lovely."

Image source, Devonport City Council
Image caption,
Sammy was released at a nearby beach