The seals had been washed ashore on the Isle of Man and were then flown to the zoo by private jet at the end of last year.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | Mid | Seal pups head for new horizons

Zoo officials said rescuers used a fire extinguisher to separate the man and the animal.

CNN: Tigers' den jumper wanted 'to be one' with beast, police say

McLane's other credits include the recent revival of "The Heiress" with Jessica Chastain, the current "Nice Work If You Can Get It" with Matthew Broderick, the last revivals of "Gore Vidal's The Best Man" and "Follies, " the show "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" with Robin Williams, and the Tony winning revival of "Anything Goes, " which is currently on a national tour.

WSJ: Tony Award winner brings Broadway to Oscars