The Department of Conservation (DOC) is appealing for information after leopard seal was shot at the river mouth of the Oreti River, near Sandy Point, on Saturday (23 July).

DOC were first alerted to the dead juvenile leopard seal on the morning of the 23rd.

Initial investigations by DOC revealed the animal appeared to have been shot, most likely with a small calibre rifle.

Evidence on-site also suggests a vehicle had been circling around the animal which may have caused it further distress, a DOC statement said.

Leopard seals are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and offences against them carry significant penalties. 

DOC is appealing for anyone with information about this incident to call the DOC hotline on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and ask for the Invercargill team. 

“After collecting information and communicating with the local Waihopai rūnaka, it has been decided to allow the animal to decompose naturally,” says DOC Senior Biodiversity Ranger Rosalind Cole. 

“Leopard seals are considered a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu. Local iwi have expressed how sad and tragic it is that a member of the public would carry out such an act on a defenceless marine mammal. We completely agree,” she said. 

Leopard seals are easily identified by their snake-like appearance, with long slim bodies, disproportionately large heads, massive jaws, and impressive teeth. They usually dwell in the Antarctic but visit New Zealand’s shores sometimes, usually in autumn and winter. 

During initial investigations the juvenile leopard seal looked in otherwise good health, so it is unknown why it may have come ashore.