A FULLY-GROWN seal was spotted earlier today on a stretch of the River Thames near the Lensbury Club on the Kingston side of Teddington Lock.

Nub News contributor Stuart Higgins reports: "I stumbled across the seal while cycling on the Ham side of the towpath and only stopped when a crowd of walkers lined the riverside and were staring into the river.

"I could immediately see what appeared to be a floating log but within seconds the seal was fully visible as it arched its back and broke the surface of the water briefly before disappearing quickly (leaving me no chance of getting photographic evidence, unfortunately)."

"One female onlooker who arrived before me said: "The seal looked very big but really tired." She said she planned to inform the RSPCA."

A single paddle boarder was just five metres away from the seal when it was visible close to the line of moored boats outside the Lensbury Club.

Despite waiting for another 30 minutes in the same area, there was no sign of the latest Teddington wildlife visitor.

However, further enquiries at The Boat Shop in Ferry Road in Teddington confirmed the sighting.

Owner Howard Miatt casually told Nub News: "We know all about the seal, he's been around for the last few days. Someone even saw him out of the water eating the fish.

"The local fisherman have been complaining they have not had a bite and blame the seal.

"One chap had been out for two nights in a row and didn't catch a thing!"

It is thought the current high tides have allowed the seal to swim up and down either side of the lock.

Last May, a baby minke whale became stranded at Teddington Lock near the footbridge, making international news - though sadly it had to be put down due to its injuries.

In February 2021 a grey seal named Freddie was a regular visitor to Teddington Lock, drawing attention from visitors and photographers.

The lovable pup got a fish hook stuck in his mouth and was released near the Thames estuary after being treated for his injury - but he soon swam up to South-West London again.

Tragically, the ten-month old seal was attacked by a dog at Hammersmith Bridge just a month later and had to be put down due to his wounds.

The story also made national news and a book has been released telling the story of Freddie's journey from Holland to the Thames.

While the appearance of seals and whales in the river may seem a mystery, last autumn wildlife experts revealed that the River Thames is cleaner than ever before - meaning it attracts a more diverse range of marine life.

Have you seen the new Teddington seal? Send your photos and stories to [email protected] - we'd love to see them!

You can also report your sightings of seals and other marine mammals in the Thames on the ZSL map HERE