Inquisitive seal swims up to delighted kayaker on the Thames

A curious seal swims up to a delighted kayaker on London's River Thames.

"I kayak regularly on the Thames and was paddling from Richmond to Teddington Lock," said filmer Dr. Hannah Peck, a zoologist by training. "On my return at about midday [I] noticed the seal pop up 10 metres or so away, and was so delighted ... I’d heard the seal was hanging out around Teddington lock but hadn’t expected to see it."

The seal makes a couple of attempts to climb up the kayak as people watch from the bank taking photographs.

"I’m a member of Richmond Canoe club and have heard members there and local rowing groups and paddle boarders talk about coming across the seal known locally as ‘Sammy’ too but hadn’t seen it myself."