Another cheeky seal has been spotted by Teddington Lock, much to the surprise of curious onlookers.

The Thames has a stable seal population, with reported sightings in places as varied as Hampton Court Palace and Canary Wharf.

The seal appeared last Sunday, February 11, and previous video footage shows at least one intelligent seal is adept at traversing the huge lock to reach the water at the other side.

Witness John Fluker said: “It dived and reappeared a number of times and seemed unconcerned by the attention of those watching.”

Other critters swimming in the ecologically diverse river include eels and porpoises, often confused with dolphins, which have been seen elegantly jumping out the water as people row through Richmond.

The Zoological Society London is currently operating a seal count; if you spot a seal (or a dolphin or a porpoise) let them know on their website.