A New Zealand fur seal who enjoys sunning on the Opera House steps has returned and he’s brought a friend.

For the third year in a row, a New Zealand fur seal – nicknamed Benny – has graced the steps of the Sydney Opera House with his presence, and this year he’s brought a friend. A younger seal has been spotted hanging out with Benny, in what Shona Lorigan from ORCCA described to Business Insider as “seal mentoring.” “It’s a buddy system – they watch and learn from the older seal,” she said.

Benny and friend at the Sydney Opera House

Benny first showed up at the Opera House in 2014 and has returned every year since but this is the first time he’s had company – a sign that the vulnerable species is increasing in number. While the seals have been a hit on social media (see #SydneySeal), by law people and boats should keep 40 metres away from adult seals and 80 metres from juveniles.

The Sydney Opera House has recently been a magnet for Pokemon Go players out hunting pokemon, but now there’s even more reason to visit the iconic building in search of wildlife.

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