A critically endangered native sea lion has been killed by a gunshot wound in the South Island. Members of the public found the male New Zealand sea lion (rapoka) - one of just 10,000 remaining - in Jack's Bay in the Catlins, between Balclutha and Invercargill. There are only about 10,000 New Zealand sea lions left so losing one in this way is particularly tragic," Bowen said. The sea lion was alive when it was discovered. The New Zealand sea lion population is in decline, and it is one of the rarest species in the world.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 21, 2017 01:41 UTC