Archive Page
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2006 - a record 6 pups were born in the Otago region - 3 females (2591, 2593, 2594) and 3 males (2590, 2592, 2595). From six breeding females, this is an exceptional result.
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2591 at 3 months
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In 2005, for the first time, 4 sea lion pups were born in the Otago region. The mothers included Victoria, the first of Mum's grand-daughters to give birth. Unfortunately, one of the mothers, Suzie, died and left an orphaned pup which also died. This represented the loss of two valuable females from the small but growing breeding population at Otago. Two of the remaining pups were females which will hopefully remain and begin breeding in 4-5 years time. This brings the total to 22 pups born in Otago since Mum started breeding in the 1993/94 season. Unfortunately 4 of these pups have now died.
Shooting of Fur Seals
On 12 June 2005, several people were seen shooting fur seals on Otago Peninsula from a boat. This was fortunately recorded on video tape by a tourist allowing the Department of Conservation and the police to lay charges against those involved.
Unfortunately this is not the first time fur seals or sea lions have been shot in the Otago region. Typically the only evidence is the carcass of the dead animal with obvious bullet holes. There is a sea lion on Otago Peninsula at the moment with two holes in his back that are likely to be the entry and exit wounds of a bullet. This sea lion seems to have survived but others have not been so lucky. Other sea lions have been rammed by cars or clubbed.
If you see any harassment of any seal species attempt to get documentation of it by photographs or video footage. For DoC to use it, the evidence needs to show the harassment taking place and identification of cars (licence plate), boats (name of boat), tour operators (logo on vehicle or shirt), or individuals involved. Please keep in mind, scientists sometimes legitimately disturb marine mammals for research purposes but they must have a permit to do so legally. If you are unsure, ask - they should have the permit with them and be able to explain what they are doing and why they are doing it.
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust
19 Irvine Road, The Cove,
Dunedin, New Zealand
Email: sealiontrust@clear.net.nz
