London
Observer description: The shape of the head, eyes and nostrils
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5577 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
12 Feb 2026 · LondonUnited Kingdom · North Atlantic
United Kingdom · stories
From the public record.
Read recent published observations from the United Kingdom. Each entry keeps its original source attribution and a link back to the archive.
London
Observer description: Saw his head, he kept coming to the surface to breathe
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5576 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
11 Feb 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Long round muzzle, round head. Black patches on body
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5575 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
09 Feb 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Face out of the water looking around until eventually rolling down under the surface
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5574 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
05 Feb 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Its head and then its back as it dives down
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5573 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
03 Feb 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: I was walking the dog along the sea wall and saw a black ball in the sea and as i got closer it turned and looked at me . . it was just floating and was not bothered by me at all . it then went under and cam up in front of me and again just watched me walking . My dog did even see it.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5572 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
31 Jan 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: It was at night so hard to see but 100% a seal. It came very close to the pier we were standing on. We saw its dark head and whiskers out of the water as it swam. Eventually after 1 min or 2 it dived underwater and disappeared.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5571 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
30 Jan 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Big dark grey, almost black looking Roman nosed seal. I saw it swimming around in the centre of the river. I saw its head & then body as it ducked under the water. It resurfaced three times in 10 minutes & swam to the bank on the Kew side (by me). I saw it face on, watched it doing something like blowing bubbles & it was watching me. It had semi beached itself & was resting for awhile. Very relaxed & then swam back out into the river. Observer notes: Yes! So exciting! I hope to see more of him! I bought the house overlooking the Thames Path last week & have come from the countryside. I was sad about leaving so much biodiversity behind. To see a seal opposite my new bedroom window has made my year! I’ll keep an eye out. I have a good track record with animal sightings. Next time I’ll be sure to take better photos for you.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5570 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
27 Jan 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: A black head and body appearing out of the water.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5569 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
26 Jan 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Long greyish brown body, long muzzle, light brown/cream around the neck and on the tips of the flippers
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5568 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
20 Jan 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Longer thicker muzzle than grey seal, dark/black in colour
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5567 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
19 Jan 2026 · LondonLondon
Observer description: Head and nose poking out of the water looking around.
Source: ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5565 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/
15 Jan 2026 · London