United Kingdom · North Atlantic
United Kingdom · stories
Read recent published observations from the United Kingdom. Each entry keeps its original source attribution and a link back to the archive.
Observer description: Head only, popping up three times as it swam downriver: rounded head with forward-facing eyes, nostrils on front of muzzle rather than top, no “Roman nose” as on Grey Seal
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5704 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
30 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Muzzle and head above water for long period of time. Animal was rotating its head from side to side on a regular basis.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5703 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
29 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: I saw its head. I kept looking as I wasnt sure but it kept disappearing and reappearing. I stopped and took a closer look and realised it was a seal. As I went under I got the chance to see more of its body and the spotted markings. After 3 or 4 times of going under and quickly back up, it went under and I didnt see it resurface. My son didnt want to hang around for too long. Im 100% certain it was a seal and fairly sure it was a great seal.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5702 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
29 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Saw the head lift up above the water, swimming along the Thames side before diving. Dark grey
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5700 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
27 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: seal was splashing in water then came out onto beach in sun. it was bothered by gulls and ducks. went in and out a few times Observer notes: dont think the animal was int any trouble. seemed fine
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5701 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
27 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: just the head above water, followed by arch of back as it returned underwater Original location description: One marine mammal (seal?) spotted surfacing every few minutes in the middle of the river. Possibly another basking on Gallions Point Wildlife Beach, but hard to tell from south bank
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5698 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
26 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Grey mottled
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5699 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
26 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: A large body with a spotted head, floating on top of the water before diving down.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5697 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
25 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Round head with a distinct snout, brownish. Observer notes: Looked to be going on short foraging/scoping dives
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5696 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
25 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Matched description of grey seal
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5695 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
25 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Grey coloured. Not using left fin. Tail looked injured.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5694 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
24 May 2026 · LondonObserver description: Spotted dark grey colour Observer notes: Not sure if stranded or just chilling in the water bank
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5693 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
24 May 2026 · London