A sea lion euthanised in Otago last month was not shot - but officials are yet to rule out another violent act, leading to the animal's death
A sea lion euthanised in Otago last month was not shot - but officials are yet to rule out another violent act, leading to the animal's death
16 December 2024
The untagged female was found critically injured near the Waipati Estuary, in the Catlins, last month.
DOC Murihuku operations manager, John McCarroll told the ODT a necropsy has been performed, and found two puncture wounds in the sea lion's shoulder and chest.
He says it's not known what caused the injuries, but there's nothing to indicate she was shot.
It follows the shootings of a mother and pup in the Catlins earlier this year.
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