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Catlins killings:

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12 July 2025

Reward increased to $50,000

NZSLT media release:

A benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has allowed the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (NZSLT) to increase the reward it is currently offering for information leading to a conviction or convictions of those responsible for the deaths of three New Zealand sea lions in The Catlins to $50,000.

NZSLT first offered a $5000 reward for information leading to a conviction or convictions with respect to the shooting of Jade, a female sea lion, and her pup, in late 2024. Support from Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (The OPERA) and donations from community members allowed NZSLT to increase the reward to a total of $12,000.

Earlier this month, NZSLT extended the reward to apply to the death of a third female sea lion in The Catlins after confirmation by Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation that she had suffered wounds "most consistent with a human-induced stabbing", which required her to be euthanised.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive the most recent financial assistance from our amazing benefactor. These deaths have made it a very tough and emotional year for the Trust and all of the volunteers involved. However, the positive side of this horrific situation has been the responses we have received. It has become clear to us, that there are many individuals and organisations in New Zealand that care deeply about our pakake and are as appalled as we are about these senseless deaths.”

NZSLT hopes that the increased reward of $50,000 will encourage people to come forward with information that leads to the prosecution of those who committed these repugnant crimes. “It sends a clear message to the perpetrators that New Zealanders do not tolerate intentional harm to native species. These actions are reprehensible, and the public are seeking justice.”

The New Zealand sea lion is nationally endangered and is one of the rarest sea lions in the world. As a slow breeding species, these three female deaths have set The Catlins pakake population back many years.

NZSLT asks anyone with information relating to any of the three sea lion deaths to make contact at info@sealiontrust.org.nz. Any contact and information will be dealt with on a strictly confidential basis.

NZ Herald article

1News article

ODT article

7 July 2025

$12,000 reward extended to third sea lion death in the Catlins

NZSLT media release:

The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (NZSLT) has extended the $12,000 reward it is currently offering for information leading to a conviction for the shooting of Jade, a female sea lion, and her pup, to apply to the death of a third female sea lion in the Catlins. This comes after confirmation by Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation that the third sea lion suffered wounds "most consistent with a human induced stabbing", which required her to be euthanised.

On 11 November 2024, Te Papa Atawhai rangers were notified of an injured sea lion at Waipati Beach. The remote location made access for an initial veterinary assessment challenging. The assessment was finally able to take place on 12 November 2024 and it was confirmed that the young female sea lion had two puncture wounds. The injuries left her unable to use her left flipper and a decision was made that, due to the nature of her injuries, she would need to be euthanised. A necropsy on the sea lion carried out at Massey University found that the sea lion had fractures to her left humerus and 9th thoracic vertebra and that the cause of the injuries was “most consistent with a human induced stabbing”.

NZSLT initially announced a $5000 reward after Jade’s pup was found dead from gunshot wounds on the 22nd of September 2024. Shortly after, Jade was also found shot dead on the 8th of October 2024. Support from Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (The OPERA) and donations from community members has allowed NZSLT to increase the reward to a total of $12,000. NZSLT is deeply distressed by the third human induced death of a female sea lion in the Catlins in less than a year. The death of any female sea lion is devastating for the recovery of this nationally endangered species, which only started breeding again on mainland New Zealand 30 years ago. These three deaths have set the Catlins population back many years. The OPERA says “the senseless and tragic killings of Jade and her pup are heartbreaking reminders that humans often pose the most dangerous threat to New Zealand’s vulnerable and endangered wildlife. This crime must not go without consequences. We are proud to stand with New Zealand Sea Lion Trust to encourage individuals to share any information that may assist in solving this case and ensuring these precious animals receive the justice they deserve.”

The violence and persecution being afflicted on the New Zealand sea lion is unacceptable. By extending the reward, NZSLT hopes to bring the perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes to account. NZSLT asks anyone with information relating to any of the three sea lion deaths to make contact. Any information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. NZSLT would again like to thank the community for the enormous amount of support it has received over the last nine months.

Stuff article

1News article

RNZ article

16 December 2024

Shooting ruled out but stabbing queried

From DOC statements to media:

Following a necropsy, it was confirmed that two puncture wounds to the sea lion's left shoulder and chest had broken the left humerus, which left the sea lion unable to use that flipper. "It's not known what caused these puncture wounds. There is no suggestion the sea lion has been shot. The pathologist who carried out the necropsy could not rule out or confirm whether these were stab wounds."

ODT article

20 November 2024

Third female found with suspicious wounds

From DOC statements to media:

"Members of the public notified DOC and the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust of a female sea lion found injured near Waipati Eastuary in the Catlins early last week." It had two "puncture wounds" near its shoulder and had lost the use of its left flipper. "We were unable to tell the cause of these injuries; they may be from a natural cause. We will know more once the necropsy results are available". Due to the severity of the injury, vets recommended euthanasia, which was undertaken on November 15.

ODT article

19 November 2024

Reward amount increased

Thanks to more generous donations from the public the reward has increased to a total of $11,740 for information leading to successful prosecutions regarding these recent sea lion killings. For the avoidance of doubt, the total amount of the reward is $11,740. Where more than one person provides information which leads to a conviction or convictions the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust reserves the right to divide the total reward offered between the relevant parties in its sole discretion.

15 October 2024

Catlins sea lion shootings reward increased to $11,000

NZSLT Media Release:

The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (NZSLT) has increased the reward it is offering for information leading to a conviction for the shooting of a young female pup, in light of evidence that the pup’s mum, Jade, has also been shot and killed.

The pup was found dead on Monday 23rd of September and the Trust announced an initial reward on 28th September for an amount of $5,000.

After the pup’s mother, Jade, was also found deceased on 8th October, donations from community members allowed NZSLT to increase the reward to a total of $6,000. Thanks to extraordinarily generous support from The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (The OPERA), NZSLT is pleased to announce that the total reward has now been increased to $11,000.

The OPERA say “the senseless and tragic killings of Jade and her pup are heartbreaking reminders that humans often pose the most dangerous threat to New Zealand’s vulnerable and endangered wildlife. This crime must not go without consequences. We are proud to stand with New Zealand Sea Lion Trust to encourage individuals to share any information that may assist in solving this case and ensuring these precious animals receive the justice they deserve.”

NZSLT is extremely grateful for its incredible supporters and donors at what has been a very sad time for our team. From the messages of encouragement NZSLT has received, it is clear how outraged the community feels about killing of these peaceful animals. NZSLT appreciates people getting behind our appeal to seek justice for Jade and her pup. They are helping to send a strong message that this abhorrent behaviour is not acceptable in New Zealand. These deaths are a devastating blow to the recovery of sea lions on the Mainland, and have set the Catlins population back years.

11 October 2024

Reward amount increased

NZSLT Media Release:

Thanks to generous donations from the public the reward has increased to a total of $6,000 for information leading to successful prosecutions regarding these recent sea lion killings. For the avoidance of doubt, the total amount of the reward is $6,000. Where more than one person provides information which leads to a conviction or convictions the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust reserves the right to divide the total reward offered between the relevant parties in its sole discretion.

11 October 2024

Jade, mother of shot pup, also found shot and killed

From the DOC Media Release:

Jade was found by a local on Tuesday evening, about 100 m from where her pup was found dead in late-September. She had begun to decompose, and it’s believed she washed up there during the recent flooding.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says shooting a sea lion is an appalling thing to do and it’s completely unacceptable.

Aaron Fleming says a local vet performed an x-ray and examination, which found about 50 shotgun pellets. Some of these will be forensically tested to see if they match the pellets found in her pup.

“She was lying down and facing away from the shooter, with most pellets entering her chest and spine.”

“It’s a tragedy both mother and pup have been shot. DOC staff are determined to find the person responsible and urging the public to contribute any information which may help the investigation.

“We don’t know when, where or why these sea lions have been shot, or if they were shot at the same time. Any information could help.”

“It goes without saying these kinds of incidents must stop. Most people will be deeply disgusted by this sort of behaviour against a protected species and the DOC team is genuinely shocked.

“We want to find the person who has done this so they can be held accountable. Anyone with any information is asked to come forward by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

NZ Sea Lion Trust Co-chair Shaun McConkey says although the sea lion population in the subantarctic continues to decline, one positive is their lives seem to be a bit easier on the mainland, which makes it even more heartbreaking when something like this happens.

“Sea lions were wiped out on the mainland by human hunting, 250 years on and we're still doing the same thing. The killing of a breeding female is a devastating loss to a small population that has only recently returned to the area.

“It's important to remember these sea lions are taking fish to feed themselves and their young not just for recreation or enjoyment.

DOC Media Release

STUFF Article

1NEWS Article

3 October 2024

Necropsy results confirm fatal injuries from shooting

From the DOC Media Release:

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.

“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.

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.

“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.”

DOC Media Release

28 September 2024

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust offers reward for information

NZSLT Media Release:

Following the report this week of another sea lion being deliberately shot the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust has decided to offer a reward of $5000 for any evidence that leads to a conviction for this offence.

We are extremely disappointed that there are people who would commit such an act, and we feel that the message needs to be given, loud and clear, that this is not acceptable.

Not only has an endemic species been deliberately killed with a shotgun, but it has been done in such a way that it will have suffered a slow and painful death. It is important that we learn to share our spaces with other species and remember the beaches, the ocean, the fish, are not ours, but belong to all.

Our sea lions have only recently returned to the mainland of New Zealand after a long absence. They are charismatic and curious animals that will sometimes approach people making them particularly vulnerable to anyone that might intend them harm.

The loss of this young female sea lion is another blow to a small, establishing population that has already experienced low pup survival over the last couple of years. It is especially frustrating that it was a female that began life in such a unique way, 60km up the Clutha River.

The Press Article

The Star Article

1NEWS Article

25 September 2024

8-month-old sea lion shot and left to die

From the DOC Media Release:

“Staff received reports of a distressed sea lion in the Catlins Estuary on Monday morning. When a ranger went out to investigate, they found the young female had died.

“The sea lion had serious injuries to its hindquarters which look to have been caused by a firearm, and steel shot believed to be from a shotgun cartridge was recovered from the animal.

DOC Murihiku Operations Manager John McCarroll said shooting a protected sea lion is a disgusting act and completely unacceptable, and DOC wants to find out who has done this.

DOC staff are appalled someone has seemingly shot the sea lion and left it to die a slow, painful death, John McCarroll says.

“We don’t know where, when or why the sea lion was shot. They are mobile animals and this juvenile had been seen around wider Catlins Estuary area and up the Clutha River Mata-au earlier this year.

“Anyone with any information is asked to please contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”

The deceased sea lion is being sent to Massey University for a necropsy to confirm the cause of death.

John McCarroll says this loss will compromise future population growth in the region.

“There are very few female sea lions in the region so each one is extremely important.

“We’re privileged to see the species return and as the population increases, people will need to get better at sharing our coasts with sea lions. This includes driving carefully in coastal areas and keeping dogs on leads when sea lions may be present.

“If a sea lion approaches you are best to try and make yourself appear boring, back away slowly, and put something like a backpack between yourself and the sea lion.”

NZ Sea Lion Trust Co-chair Shaun McConkey says the Trust is extremely disappointed there are people who would commit such an act, especially towards an endemic species that has only recently returned to the mainland after a long absence.

“Our sea lions are charismatic and curious animals that will sometimes approach people making them particularly vulnerable to anyone that might intend them harm.

“It is especially frustrating that it was a female that began life in such a unique way, 60 km up the Clutha River.

This is another blow to a small, establishing population that has already experienced low pup survival over the last couple of years."

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.

Pakake have a threat status of “Nationally Vulnerable” and number about 10,000. About 96% of the population lives down 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.

DOC Media Release

RNZ Article

1NEWS Article

.....Contribute to REWARD

The Trust has already earmarked funds for this reward and will periodically review what funds have been donated towards this cause.

The money earmarked towards the reward will be reserved for said purpose until the expiry as described in the "Reward information" section. After that date, all donations will be used by the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust for New Zealand sea lion conservation, protection, advocacy and fieldwork activities.

.....REWARD information

The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust is offering a reward of $50,000 for any evidence that leads to the successful conviction of those responsible for the deaths of three female sea lions in the Catlins - the shootings of female sea lion Jade and her 8-month-old pup in September 2024, and the death of a young female sea lion at Waipati Beach in November 2024 due to injuries most consistent with a human induced stabbing.

If you have any information about these incidents, please contact the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust at info@sealiontrust.org.nz, the Department of Conservation, or your local police. All information will be passed on to the appropriate authorities, and anonymity will be respected.

The reward will be given to the person who provides or persons who provide information that is used to locate and successfully prosecute the offender/s. This reward does not offer immunity from prosecution and will be paid out after the later of a conviction or convictions being obtained (and any relevant appeal period expiring without an appeal being lodged or any case on appeal being heard and a final verdict being reached) or 1 January 2026. Where more than one person provides information which leads to a final conviction or convictions being obtained, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust reserves the right to divide the total reward offered between the relevant parties at its sole discretion. Any claim made in respect of this reward must be made on or before midnight on 31 December 2025. A claim made after this date will be null and void.