The sea lion pup, whose mother is named Jade, photographed in February. Photo / NZ Sea Lion Trust
The sea lion pup, whose mother is named Jade, photographed in February. Photo / NZ Sea Lion Trust
A reward of $50,000 is being offered for information after the killings of three sea lions in the Catlins, Southland.
The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (NZSLT) initially offered $5000, though an anonymous benefactor has allowed them to raise the reward for information that will lead to a conviction orconvictions for those responsible for the grisly deaths.
The first reward was offered after Jade, a female sea lion, and her pup were shot in late 2024.
Support from Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (Opera) and donations from community members allowed NZSLT to increase the reward to $12,000.
NZSLT this month extended the reward to apply to the death of a third female sea lion in the Catlins after confirmation by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai that she had suffered wounds “most consistent with a human induced stabbing”, which required her to be euthanised.
A third sea lion was found to have died of stab wounds, according to the Department of Conservation. Photo / Janet Ledingham
“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,” an NZSLT spokesperson said.
“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 the increased reward will encourage people to come forward with information that leads to the prosecution of those who committed the 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, the deaths of the three females 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.
A timeline of these events, terms of the reward and other latest updates can be found on the trust’s website.
