Harassment may have contributed to leopard seal's death, marine biologist says
A marine biologist suggests that human harassment, including throwing objects and dog interference, may have contributed to the death of a leopard seal in Wellington. The Department of Conservation is investigating the incident under the Marine Mammals Protection Act.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the conflict between human curiosity and wildlife conservation, emphasizing the legal and ethical responsibilities of the public.
Harassment may have contributed to the death of a leopard seal in Wellington that drew hundreds of onlookers, a marine biologist says.
The Department of Conservation said the seal was found dead in the Hutt River on Saturday afternoon.
The female seal was initially spotted on Petone Beach, where a man threw a dead fish at it , and dogs were seen approaching the 3-metre-long animal.
A leopard seal on a Lower Hutt was harassed by dogs and people throwing fish at it.
Marine biologist Georgia Stewart said there was a chance the harassment played a role in the death, while old age could have also contributed.
"I think in her last few days, the lack of respect, it floored me. I thought as a city we would never do that.
"It's just a few people that kind of ruined it for everyone."
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