As you likely recall, a "very determined" pregnant elephant seal spent the last few days attempting to cross Highway 37 near Sears Point in Sonoma County — much to the chagrin of the California Highway Patrol and would-be commuters passing through the area. Well, after being hit with a heavy tranquilizer and driven to a safe location for release late Tuesday afternoon, the elephant seal dubbed "Tolay" has apparently once again decided to do her own thing. Not one to be told where she can or cannot go, the pinniped soon left the Point Reyes cove where rescuers dropped her off and made her way to a sandy chill spot at Drake's Beach.
Biologist Sarah Codde told the San Francisco Chronicle that the beach is “a much better location” than where she was originally dropped off, and National Park Service biologists observed that her new hangout is a breeding colony for elephant seals.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: #HighwaySeal spotted today at Pt. Reyes just hanging on the beach pic.twitter.com/53uwgu4ppE
— Kale Williams (@sfkale) December 31, 2015
But before she was heavily sedated and transported to Point Reyes, Tolay lumbered right into our hearts. Barbie Halaska of The Marine Mammal Center spoke to the Chronicle about the seal, and made us realize that this holiday season we all have a little bit in common with the 900-pound expectant mother.
"She's a beautiful animal who appears to be in perfect health," explained Halaska. "She's been pretty vocal so she might be a little frustrated but otherwise she seems to be doing fine."
We wish you all the best, Tolay. Happy new year, and good luck with the baby!
.@SFist living his best life pic.twitter.com/0lAm170LaP
— Kathleen Lee (@kathleenelee) December 29, 2015
Previously: Elephant Seal Blocks North Bay Highway, Gets Feisty With Passing Cars
'Very Determined' Elephant Seal Still Trying To Cross North Bay Highway