Sea Lion Pup Born on Christmas Day Marks New Breeding Season

The Department of Conservation (DOC) announced today the birth of the first sea lion pup of the season, marking a significant moment for the endangered species. The pup, referred to as pakake, was born on December 25, 2023, to a six-year-old sea lion named Tui. This event signals the start of a breeding season that conservationists hope will contribute to the recovery of this nationally endangered population.

Tui is a direct descendant of a female named Mum, who made history by giving birth to the first pup on mainland New Zealand in 1993, after a 150-year absence of breeding. The birth of this pup continues the legacy of Mum, as DOC aims to bolster the population of pakake in Otago, which is seen as vital for the species’ recovery. A thriving population in this region could serve as insurance against the declining numbers found in the sub-Antarctic islands.

To achieve colony status, conservationists aim for at least 35 pups to be born each year for five consecutive years. Biodiversity ranger Moss Thompson indicated that the team expects to see more mother-pup pairs along the coast in the coming months. “This year, we have approximately 49 breeding-age females in our population, and we are anticipating around 35 pups,” Thompson stated.

As these pups are particularly vulnerable, Thompson urged the public to give them space and time to bond with their mothers. “It is crucial to allow these animals the opportunity to rest and form essential relationships,” he added.

In response to the breeding season, there may be temporary changes to access tracks on certain beaches, with signage indicating restrictions on dogs or requests to keep them on leads. These measures are designed to protect the mothers and pups as they navigate their coastal habitats.

DOC staff, along with mana whenua and volunteers from the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, will monitor the situation during the festive season. “Pakake are likely to cross roads and utilize parks in coastal areas, so we ask everyone to drive cautiously and check their surroundings before allowing dogs off-leash,” Thompson advised.

In the event of encountering a pup in an unmarked area, DOC encourages the public to report it by calling 0800 DOC HOT.

The breeding season for pakake runs during the summer months, primarily from late December to mid-January. Notably, the sea lions in Otago do not form harems due to their small population size; instead, females employ different strategies to give birth away from males. They generally do not deliver on beaches but seek out densely vegetated areas, including parks, golf courses, and even private backyards.

Pakake are among the rarest sea lion species globally, found exclusively in New Zealand. They face numerous threats from human activities, including fishing, diseases, and pup mortality. At birth, pups weigh between 8 and 10 kg.

The ongoing efforts by DOC and its partners highlight the importance of conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding this unique marine mammal population. With continued support and awareness, the hope is to see a thriving community of pakake along the Otago coast.