The animal kingdom is one big circle of life, each species is prey and predator. Herbivores predate on plants, carnivores on animals, and omnivores eat a little bit of everything. Where does a large mammal like New Zealand sea lions/pakake fit?
Pakake are carnivores that eat fish, squid, and very occasionally penguins and New Zealand fur seals/kekeno. Pakake are vulnerable to sharks, orca/maki, and human interference.
Recently a local legend alerted me, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, and the Department of Conservation to a pakake bull (male) in the Southland Region with an odd growth on its rear. This poor pakake had been attacked by a shark, and its blubber was protruding out of its wound. Immediately a vet was dispatched. Thankfully, where this pakake was sighted is a vehicle-free beach; so, he could rest and try to heal without disruption.
Without the public notifying us, we may not have known as quickly that his wound had worsened. We appreciate you. If you witness a pakake with a wound, deceased, or being put in danger: please let DOC know via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust via their social media, or us via our social media.
Photo: Kyla Elder.