2 Jun 2014

Surgery for man attacked by seal

2:16 pm on 2 June 2014

An eldely man attacked by a fur seal is doing well, but could be in hospital for a few weeks.

Arthur Lester, 85, was bitten by the young male on the leg while on a New Plymouth coastal walkway on Saturday.

His son Greg said he sustained a "humongous" bite and went into surgery straight after the attack. He was due to have another operation on Monday.

Greg Lester said doctors have indicated that Mr Lester could be in hospital for a few weeks in order to manage possible infections, but there's no doubt that he will fully recover.

He said his father is a little embarrassed by the situation, as he is well aware of the dangers seals can pose - but the last thing he would want is for the mammal to be shot.