Former Napier Marineland seal dies

A seal from Napier’s Marineland, who was recently rehomed at Sea World on the Gold Coast, has died.

Dakota, a Californian sea lion, has been in Australia since 10th December.

While the cause of her death is unknown, she has been unwell for a few weeks.

Napier City Council Tourism Services Manager Neil Fergus explained "our Marineland staff are very sad, but we are grateful for the amazing care Dakota has received from the staff at Sea World.

"We knew she hadn’t been 100% in recent weeks and staff there have been keeping us informed as they tried to find out what the issue was."

Once Dakota became ill, Sea World brought one of Dakota’s keepers over to assist with any background information and Dakota’s wellbeing.

An autopsy will now be performed.

Dakota was one of five seals transferred to new homes in Australia last month.

Fergus added that the remaining seals are all reported to be in good health.

New Zealand fur seal Iha is at Melbourne Zoo; New Zealand fur seal Ollie at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, and Californian sea lion Orion and sub-Antarctic fur seal Mako are at Sea World. The three remaining Marineland fur seals - Molly, Mr Bo, short for Mr Bojangles, and Pania will travel to Australian locations in March.

Image of Dakota courtesy of Friends of Marineland.

7th January 2015 - ANIMAL RIGHTS CAMPAIGNERS TARGET SEA WORLD DOLPHINS

29th October 2013 - WORLD CLASS SKATE FACILITY FOR NAPIER’S MARINE PARADE

1st February 2011 - NAPIER’S MARINELAND WILL NOT REOPEN

4th September 2010 - SEA LION BITES BOY AT TARONGA ZOO SHOW

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