Photo: SuppliedA much-loved sea lion and her pup have been killed after being hit by a vehicle near Balclutha. The Department of Conservation (Doc) is appealing for information following the death of eight-year-old Matariki and her one-month-old pup. At the time of the accident, Matariki was likely taking her pup to a new spot to rest and may have been nursing the pup on the road. The pup has since died and due to her severe injuries, Matariki was euthanised by a vet yesterday. Mr McCarroll said Matariki was much loved by the local community and the two deaths were a tragic loss for the New Zealand sea lion population.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2020 22:30 UTC