We’re working with our conservation partners to protect the New Zealand pakake (sea lion)!
With New Zealand’s second largest colony of sea lions facing a pup mortality rate of 89%, a call-out was made to design a shelter that would help protect the pups from the harsh elements.
In the second episode of our two-part series, we follow Zoo, Department of Conservation staff and mana whenua as a bespoke zoo-designed pup shelter is trailed for the first time in Cape Palliser. With help from some curious New Zealand fur seals!
Working together to assemble the shelter on site, specific equipment is also set up to give environmental readings - providing valuable data on weather conditions during the trail. This will give a good indication as to why the pups might use the shelter at certain times throughout the days and weeks to come.
Watch to the end to see the incredible result - fur seal pups exploring and using the shelter! If you missed part one, you can watch it here - • Sheltering New Zealand... .