In the picturesque town of Neyland, Pembrokeshire, Wales, a seal named Maximus has developed a rather unusual daily routine that involves commandeering a bright yellow dinghy belonging to a local boat trip company. His antics have turned him into a local celebrity, much to the delight—and occasional frustration—of the crew.
A Seal with a Taste for Sunbathing
Maximus has made it a habit to climb aboard the yellow dinghy at the end of each day, where he lounges and sunbathes to his heart’s content. This daily ritual has become a familiar sight for Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips, the company that owns the dinghy. Despite his rather intrusive behavior, Maximus has won over the hearts of the crew.
The Company’s Affection for Their “Resident Seal”
Gareth Reynolds, a representative of Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips, affectionately refers to Maximus as their “resident seal.” While Maximus’s daily visits might be a tad inconvenient, the crew has grown fond of him. “He’s got a little bit too used to us now, so it’s a daily occurrence,” says Gareth, highlighting the seal’s familiarity with the team.
Maximus’s Long History with the Company
Maximus has been frequenting the area for more than a decade, making him a well-known figure in the region. His loyalty to the yellow dinghy and occasional interest in an orange rib boat have provided endless entertainment for passengers starting their boat trips.
Entertainment for Passengers and Frustration for the Crew
The presence of Maximus is often a highlight for tourists. He is so comfortable around humans that even when passengers are just a foot away, he barely flinches or opens his eyes. This close encounter with wildlife is a unique experience for many, although it does present a challenge for the crew when it’s time to head home.
The Hose-Down Ritual: From Removal Tactic to Enjoyment
Initially, the crew used a hose to gently persuade Maximus off the dinghy, a tactic that worked well in the beginning. However, Maximus has now come to enjoy these water sprays, viewing them as his daily shower rather than a signal to leave.
A New Challenge: Getting Maximus Off the Dinghy
Over time, the crew has found it increasingly difficult to coax Maximus off the boat. Gareth notes that what was once a quick spray to send him scurrying has now turned into a prolonged game. “It’s a game of how long do you have to do it before he’s had enough—you’ve got to get him on the head,” he explains.
The Boat Company’s Operations and Maximus’s Role
Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips operates tours along the coast, including visits to the puffin-populated Skomer Island. As summer progresses and the puffins migrate, Maximus steps into the limelight, often becoming the main attraction for visitors.
The Changing Seasons and Maximus’s Popularity
With the puffins gradually leaving towards the end of summer, Maximus becomes the star of the show. “The puffins are the big attraction that everyone hears about, but from this time of year onwards they all disappear,” Gareth shares. In these moments, Maximus becomes the primary focus, much to the delight of tourists and crew alike.
Maximus, the Beloved Member of the Team
Despite the daily routine of gently evicting him from the dinghy, the team at Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re very thankful for Maximus… we love him really, he’s part of our team,” says Gareth, summarizing the crew’s affection for their quirky, sun-loving visitor. If you’d like watching a short video report on maximus, you can watch it here
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