Necropsy confirms sea lion killed with shotgun

Date:  03 October 2024

Losing the juvenile female, who was born about 60 km up the Clutha River Mata-au earlier this year, is a significant setback for the local population.

DOC Murihiku Operations Manager John McCarroll says the necropsy, carried out by Massey University scientists, found the young female sea lion likely died several hours after she was shot.

“These necropsy results tell us the sea lion was alive when she was shot. She was last seen alive on Monday 16 September and was reported dead to us on the morning of Sunday 22 September.

X-ray of the sea lion showing shotgun pellets
Image: Massey University

“DOC wants to find out who has committed this atrocious act and we’re calling for anyone with information to get in touch on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

“The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust is also offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution.”

Although DOC staff are relieved to learn the sea lion did not suffer for more than a week, as initially feared, they are appalled at the extent of the painful injuries inflicted on her by the shooter, John McCarroll says.

“She appears to have been shot in the back while lying on her stomach, causing a large amount of bleeding in the abdomen and chest and damage to the lungs, liver, spleen, intestine and spine. At least 25 steel shotgun pellets were found in her body.

“Shooting a protected sea lion and leaving it to a painful death is a disgusting act and completely unacceptable.

“The loss of this juvenile female is a significant setback to the Catlins sea lion population. Sea lions restarted breeding in the Catlins back in 2006, and so far 45 have been born there, although a number of those have passed away.

“In the 2023/24 breeding season there were 13 breeding age females and 7 pups born. It takes 4 years for a female to reach breeding age. Given the low numbers, every female is extremely important to the population.”

Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

The sea lion’s mother Jade was born under a crib (bach) at Kākā Point in 2016. She was named after the late son of the bach owners.

Pakake have a threat status of “Nationally Vulnerable” and number about 12,000. About 96% of the population is found in the Subantarctic Islands and is in decline. On the Mainland, there are small but growing populations in Rakiura/Stewart Island, Murihiku/Southland, and Otago.

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