A sick, long-nosed fur seal's unexpected upstream journey in Sydney’s polluted Cooks River has alarmed experts.

A long-nosed fur seal has been spotted in Sydney’s polluted Cooks River, traveling as far upstream as Earlwood, sparking concern among wildlife experts. The animal, appearing thin and unwell, has been monitored by ORRCA and the NPWS, who urge the public to maintain a 40-meter distance, keep dogs away, and report sightings. While the seal’s presence may indicate some environmental recovery, its condition and the river’s poor water quality raise concerns about its health and the ecosystem’s overall state.