20-year-old subantartic fur seal Ōrua has been euthanised. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Zoo
The last remaining seal in a New Zealand zoo has been euthanised.
Auckland Zoo announced its 20-year-old subantartic fur seal named Ōrua was euthanised on Thursday.
The zoo said Ōrua was close to the maximum lifespan for his species and had health conditions, including "significant visual impairment".
His habitat was also deteriorating and could not longer maintain the "quality environment" Ōrua needed for his health and welfare needs.
Not able to be repaired, the habitat will be permanently closed and the kōrorā/little penguin - which shared the habitat - have been moved to another part of the zoo that visitors cannot enter.
In a statement, zoo director Kevin Buley said it had been an "extremely difficult decision" for the teams who have been "instrumental" in providing the seal with care and a life he wouldn't have had otherwise.
"However, in these circumstances, this decision to euthanise him is absolutely the correct one, giving Ōrua the dignified and peaceful end of life he so deserves."
Carnivore keeper Emma with Ōrua. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Zoo
Carnivore team leader Nick Parashchak said it had been a privilege to care for Ōrua.
"A wonderfully smart, curious and charismatic animal with personality-plus who has inspired us all, and will be greatly missed.
"In his over 19 years at the zoo, he has been an incredible ambassador for marine life and marine conservation and given millions upon millions of our visitors amazing opportunities to connect with, experience, and learn about his species.
"As the last seal or sealion in a zoo or aquarium in New Zealand, the loss of Ōrua also marks the end of an era, and he leaves behind a very special legacy."
The zoo said overtime, the habitat will be redeveloped and the penguins will be able to move back in - but it will take several years.
Ōrua was the last seal/sealion in a New Zealand zoo. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Zoo
Ōrua's background
The zoo said Ōrua was rescued in 2006, found washed up on a beach in Āwhitu Peninsula and taken to the zoo for care and rehabilitation.
Over three weeks, the seal was looked after and release was attempted but he continued to return to the beach.
He was then taken back to the zoo and given a "second chance at life" in the habitat.
"Some eight months later, it was discovered he had a cataract in his left eye which significantly impacted his vision and would have almost certainly made life impossible for him in the wild."
Photo: Supplied / Auckland Zoo
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