Auckland's resident leopard seal Owha resting after apparent gun shot to the face

Tuesday, 29 October 2019

Owha the leopard seal is spotted at Westhaven Marina in Auckland after suffering an apparent gunshot wound to her face the day before.

Conservation group Sea Shepherd is offering a $5000 reward for information regarding the apparent shooting of Auckland's resident leopard seal, Owha.

Owha, who has made Auckland Harbour her home, was seen bleeding from her face on Saturday in what is believed to be a gunshot wound.

According to NIWA Marine Mammal Biologist Dr Krista Hupman, photos of the injury showed a bleeding puncture wound on the seal's left muzzle.

Despite fears that the wound could be serious, Owha was spotted on Tuesday morning resting at Westhaven Marina and was there well into the afternoon.

It is believed the wound won't cause any long term damage.

Hupman, part of the non-profit organisation LeopardSeals.org, said the seal was in the same condition as on Monday.

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Owha was seen resting at the pontoon well into the afternoon

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Owha, who has been tracked by the DoC and NIWA for seven years, could be seen from the boardwalk on the marina sunbathing and sleeping, before hopping into the water for a quick swim - followed by more sleeping.

LeopardSeals.org volunteer Jill Cooper spent the afternoon keeping a watch on Owha, to make sure her behaviour was normal.

'We wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything that would stop her swimming. We were a bit concerned yesterday when she wasn't putting her head under the water that there was damage to the nostril - but that seems fine now.

'All the indications I've had from people I have talked to is she is doing really well and there shouldn't be any long term effects.'

Hupman said Sea Sheperd had offered a $5000 reward for anyone who came forward with information that led to a prosecution.

She said the majority of the people she had talked to at the marina were positive about Owha, even if she did cause a little bit of mischief every now and then.

Cooper had a recent run in with Owha when she was out wind surfing. She said after falling in, the seal ducked under the water and gave her some space.

According to the Department of Conservation, anyone who spots a seal such as Owha should:

Stay at least 20m away
Keep small children under control and at a safe distance
Keep the dog on a short leash
Avoid getting between the seal and the ocean
Do not make loud noises or provoke the animal.