Three sea lions dead after 'incredibly upsetting' shooting in Canterbury
A police spokesperson said three endangered sea lions were shot near the Waitaki River mouth on Saturday.
Two of the sea lions were killed, and a third sea lion was also injured.
In an update shortly after 6.30pm, Waitaki Police Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said the third wounded sea lion "sadly had to be euthanised".
He said Ōamaru police were eager to hear from the community to help identify those responsible for the "senseless acts of cruelty against wildlife".
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The Department of Conservation said they were also investigating evidence supplied to them, and urged anyone who may know anything about the attack to come forward.
"Obviously, it's incredibly upsetting and concerning that people would attack an animal, and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have heard anything about this attack, or seen any suspicious activity in this area."
Local iwi were notified of the situation.
Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
New Zealand sea lions are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, and are only found in Aotearoa.
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