Wild Seals Illegally Captured for Marineland

Napier's Marineland is under investigation by the Department of Conservation (DoC) over allegations that it wild seals were unlawfully captured for the attraction.

According to a report in The Dominion Post, DOC is investigating the marine life attraction, which has admitted taking three healthy seals from the wild and putting them in enclosures, without a DOC permit. At least one of the seals is still in captivity.

Napier City Council Chief Executive Neil Taylor was reported as saying "I view (this incident) as very serious," adding "I'm disappointed and I've begun an investigation."

Marineland, which is allowed to admit and care for injured animals, has been one of Hawke's Bay's top tourist attractions since the mid-1960s. However, it closed earlier this year after the deaths of its two performing dolphins and the Council is currently considering whether to carry out an $8 million upgrade or to shut the marine zoo forever.

Now, it could face a fine of up to $10,000 for breaching the Marine Animals Protection Act.

DoC is believed to be taking the incident seriously, spokesman Reuben Williams saying "we can confirm that Marineland New Zealand has admitted breaching the conditions of its permit to hold marine mammals.

"The Department has drafted a letter to the Napier City Council expressing our concerns over the situation with the seals."

Taylor said he contacted DOC when he heard about the problem, explaining "I'm prepared to say I believe there are inconsistencies in records that involve the council, Marineland and the Department.

"I have instructed staff to help the department investigate the matter and I believe the staff are being helpful."

Taylor could not give further details because he was also investigating the matter himself under the terms of New Zealand's Employment Relations Act.

Save Animals From Exploitation Campaign Director Hans Kriek said Marineland had used the fact that it rescued injured animals as the reason for its existence.

"If that's not true, if they've taken wild animals illegally and put them in captivity, that's appalling," he said. "Somebody should be held accountable."

The seals would have to stay in captivity, Kriek said, "you can't take an animal out of the wild, make it completely dependent on humans, and then put it back in the wild."