Another devastating and cowardly shooting of an endemic and classified ‘Endangered’ New Zealand sea lion/pakake.
On Monday the 23rd, a nine-month old sea lion pup was shot and left to die a slow and painful death. In only February, this same pup was being celebrated, in part due to her mother Jade’s astonishing feat of traversing 60 kilometers inland to give birth in the Catlins! Keep in mind, Jade had to return to the sea/moana every few days to forage – a round trip of 120 kilometres! It is likely Jade gave birth so far inland to ensure her pup’s safety and survival. As the previous summer, Jade tragically lost her pup as a result of a bull accidentally killing it.
There is nothing cool or courageous about harassing, maiming, or killing a sea lion. Know that many people in Aotearoa care for sea lions – and we will be watching.