12/07/2025
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UPDATE: Reward increased to $50,000 for information on three sea lion deaths
A benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has allowed the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust
(NZSLT) to increase the reward it is currently offering for information leading to a conviction or convictions of those responsible for the deaths of three New Zealand sea lions in The Catlins to $50,000.
NZSLT first offered a $5000 reward for information leading to a conviction or convictions with respect to the shooting of Jade, a female sea lion, and her pup, in late 2024. Support from Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (The OPERA) and donations from community members allowed NZSLT to increase the reward to a total of $12,000.
Earlier this month, NZSLT extended the reward to apply to the death of a third female sea lion in
The Catlins after confirmation by Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation that she had suffered wounds "most consistent with a human induced stabbing", which required her to be euthanased.
βWe are incredibly grateful to receive the most recent financial assistance from our amazing
benefactor. These deaths have made it a very tough and emotional year for the Trust and all of
the volunteers involved. However, the positive side of this horrific situation has been the
responses we have received. It has become clear to us, that there are many individuals and
organisations in New Zealand that care deeply about our pakake and are as appalled as we are
about these senseless deaths.β
NZSLT hopes that the increased reward of $50,000 will encourage people to come forward with information that leads to the prosecution of those who committed these repugnant crimes.
βIt sends a clear message to the perpetrators that New Zealanders do not tolerate intentional
harm to native species. These actions are reprehensible and the public are seeking justice.β
The New Zealand sea lion is nationally endangered and is one of the rarest sea lions in the world. As a slow breeding species, these three female deaths have set The Catlins pakake
population back many years.
NZSLT asks anyone with information relating to any of the three sea lion deaths to make
contact at [email protected]. Any contact and information will be dealt on a strictly
confidential basis.
You can find a timeline of these events, terms of the reward and our latest updates in relation to
this matter on our website: https://www.sealiontrust.org.nz/catlins-killings