Moulting elephant seal Momoa tormented in 'shocking display' in Eastern Bay

Resident elephant seal Momoa has yet to move on from Whakatāne. Photo / Kim Le'Bagge

Department of Conservation (DoC) staff are working to identify a group of youths who swam across the Whakatāne River and engaged in a "shocking display" of tormenting the town's resident elephant seal.

DoC ranger Andrew Glaser said the group taunted and tried to touch Momoa the elephant seal over a 30-minute period earlier this month.

"It was a shocking display and we are working with police to try and find these young people and looking at measures to see what we can do about it," Glaser said.

"We have also had one or two other incidents with people flying drones close to the seal, which is prohibited."

Meanwhile, Momoa has moved away from the spotlight but is still moulting, according to Glaser.

"The seal has moved away from the crowds to the other side of the Whakatāne River, but was still visible from the Whakatāne Yacht Club where he has been spending a lot of time."

On the Momoa the sea elephant Facebook page, people said they had spotted the seal on Sunday.

A photo taken by one woman showed a tan-coloured mass on the riverbank. The woman said DoC staff had confirmed it was the seal.

Glaser said Momoa's new coat of fur could appear tan if it was dry. "It changes to a darker colour when it gets wet," Glaser said. "It appears he is still going through the moulting process."

It is hoped that once he completes the moulting period, he will make his way towards cooler water.

"But for the time being it appears he is still enjoying the sunny Eastern Bay."

While he remains, DoC has asked that people respect the cordons that have been put in place, give the seal the space and respect he deserves, and to enjoy the spectacle of having him here.

It is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 (MMPA) to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal. A dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could face prosecution. Anyone charged under the MMPA with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a seal faces a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment or a fine to a maximum of $250,000.