Marine Mammals Now More Likely To Be Euthanized – Thanks Activists

Photo credit: Outside Magazine

Here’s to hoping no marine mammals become stranded on the shores of New Zealand because there’s no one there anymore to aid in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

On March 24th, the last of the sea lions under the care of the shuttered Marineland in Napier, New Zealand, left for other facilities.

Marineland’s full activities were shut down in 2009 as a result of activists pressuring the local government to regulate them out of business.  This week’s moving of the last of the animals in their care mean a permanent closing for the facility. 

Supporters of the facility say that leaves no facilities in New Zealand to rehabilitate injured or sick sea mammals such as fur seals so they can be returned to the wild.

They didn’t mince words when expressing their frustration with anti-zoo and anti-marine park activists and about what could happen to marine mammals in the area.

Sue MacDonald, Secretary of The Friends of Marineland said:

“The work that it did in rehabilitating other sea creatures and releasing them was legendary. People knew if they found a marine creature, Marineland would be able to look after it.

“It means now if any marine animal comes up on the beach it is more than likely to be either euthanised or left to die because there is no place that specialises in looking after these animals,” 

Regan Beckett, and Senior Supervisor at Marineland agreed that marine mammals found sick or injured in the wild will probably have to be put down or left to die following the closure of the park.

“It’s sad that some species get all the tender loving care that’s required: however, when it comes to marine mammals, for some reason, people believe that nature should take its course.

“I don’t see any difference between that and a kiwi or pukeko or anything like that. I think its ludicrous,” he said.

We agree, Mr. Beckett. It is ludicrous.

Check out the full story from Radio New Zealand News.