A confused seal pup has been returned to its natural habitat after it became stranded in South Auckland and sought safety in an office.
The pup found the unlikely shelter in Penrose after it became disorientated during the deluge of rain on Tuesday.
Workers at a company on Hugo Johnston Drive, near Mangere Inlet, had gone to take pictures of the stranded animal and were surprised when it followed them back into their office.
Neil Fieldsend of the company Miller Design says staff managed to corner the pup in an office and started calling several organisations to come and deal with their visitor.
After an hour and a half, Department of Conservation staff came and took the seal back its natural habitat.
The seal had remained mostly calm for its stay at Miller Design, though it barked if anyone came too close.
