New Zealand Sea Lion Breeding Season 2026 Begins in Otago: Public Urged to Keep Distance
New Zealand sea lions once roamed mainland coasts freely but vanished from breeding sites around 1850 due to sealing, hunting, and habitat loss. The first mainland pup in 150 years arrived in 1993 on Otago Peninsula, born to a female nicknamed “Mum,” marking a pivotal recolonization. This event sparked hope for sub-Antarctic populations, which host … Read more