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Saimaa seal live stream closes early after location discovered

WWF Finland said the cessation of the popular webcast was brought forward as a precautionary measure.

Saimaannorppa rantakivellä
The live stream allowed viewers to catch a glimpse of the endangered species in their natural habitat. Image: Tarja Nyyssönen / Yle
  • Yle News

A popular webcam featuring Saimaa ringed seals will stop streaming from 11.30am on Thursday.

Since being launched just over three weeks ago, the live webcast has garnered an online audience of millions of people eager to catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.

WWF Finland, which has arranged the live stream for the past five years, said it was turning off transmission a few days earlier than planned this year as the location of the camera had been discovered.

The charity added that the camera may be placed in a different location next year.

The discovery of the camera's location has led to people attempting to approach the mammals in an effort to take photographs, which has led to the shy seals diving into the water to hide.

This year's broadcast featured old acquaintances Pullervo and Siiri, as well as two other, as-yet-unnamed seals, Phs441 and Phs256.