A new star bedecked in fur graced the VIP stairs of the Opera House on Thursday morning, drawing gasps from joggers and workers passing by - and even triggering a call to the police.
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But the centre of attention was oblivious to the excitement its emergence from the harbour caused, as it made itself at home on the stairs at the northern end of the Opera House.
The "Opera House seal", as it has been named, was still on the steps at 2pm. It has drawn dozens of onlookers throughout the morning and afternoon.
Opera House spokeswoman Kate Huish said precautionary measures were being taken to protect the seal.
"We've had to barrier the area a little bit so people aren't leaning over and getting too close, so there's no safety concern," Ms Huish said.
"He's very healthy from what I'm told. We've got a couple of guys from Parks and Wildlife keeping an eye on him.
"He's very happy, he's just in the sun, it's a great spot."
Jenny Stokes, from the Office of Heritage and Environment, said the "chubby" seal is three-year-old New Zealander. The seal is well known to authorities and is believed to have arrived at 4am on the Opera House steps.
"It's a New Zealand fur seal," Stokes said. "We believe he's the same seal that's been in the harbour for the past couple of weeks. He's not new to the harbour."
"He's been happy as Larry all day, alternating between lying on the steps in the sun or jumping in the water to cool down. The kids in particular have loved him."
Dean Jakubowski, who works at the Opera House, said it was the first seal he had ever seen loitering around the harbour.
"I was just doing the morning inspections down at the Opera House and there was a huge seal and people started to gather to check it out," Mr Jakubowski said.
"Every time a jogger went past they'd see a bit of attention and then come around, take a snapshot and have a squiz.
"There's loads of kids down here, too. Because it's school holidays, we've got loads of programs in the western foyer, so it's perfect timing. It's like a new show."
There are also reports an onlooker decided to call the police to report the incident.
The seals are coming out to play in Sydney. One was spotted getting a morning tan at Bronte Beach early last month, while another had its day spoiled when it had to dodge a ferry in Darling Harbour.
I do not support the Sydney Opera House seal. I will suplex the beast. — j.r. hennessy (@jrhennessy) October 2, 2014
National security overkill in full swing. RT @PeteLawler: wtf someone called the police. about a seal. on the shoreline. sydney craycray. — Asher Wolf (@Asher_Wolf) October 2, 2014
A VIP visitor at Sydney Opera House this morning #whaleon pic.twitter.com/NQEaLDEih3 — ORRCA (@ORRCA_Inc) October 2, 2014
Sydney seal is an absolute legend https://t.co/ZS40CnhZXg — Allie Coyne (@alliecoyne) October 2, 2014