Zoo farewells much-loved elderly fur seal Ōrua

Auckland Zoo is very sad to share it has farewelled geriatric fur seal Ōrua, a much-loved animal rescued from certain death in the wild as a pup in 2006 and given a second chance at life at the Zoo.

At 20 years old, subantarctic fur seal Ōrua was close to the maximum lifespan known for his species with some health conditions including significant visual impairment.  The Zoo’s last remaining seal, Ōrua lived over 19 of his 20 years at the Takutai/Coast habitat – 15 of these with other rescued seals where he was an exceptional advocate for his species.

He was euthanised yesterday due to the Zoo’s deteriorating, now quarter-century old specialist marine habitat no longer being able to maintain the quality environment needed to meet his health and welfare needs, and now unrepairable.

“It’s been an extremely difficult decision for our Carnivore and Veterinary teams who have been so instrumental in providing Ōrua with the dedicated care and a life he would not otherwise have had. 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,” says Auckland Zoo director, Kevin Buley.

“Like our Elephant/Seal team colleagues before us, it has been our team’s 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,” says Carnivore team leader, Nick Parashchak.

“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,” says Nick.

Coast closure and kororā/little penguin relocation

Now unrepairable, Takutai/The Coast habitat will permanently close. The Zoo’s kororā/little penguin have been able to be relocated to established aviaries at the top of the Zoo (a non-visitor area) where our specialist bird keepers can continue to care for and fully provide for them.

In the future, this area will be redeveloped and once again be home to kōrorā, however this will take time to plan and build, and is therefore a few years away.

Subantarctic fur seal Ōrua

Ōrua was a wild-born subantarctic fur seal, rescued from otherwise certain death in 2006.  As a young pup, he was found washed up on a beach on the Awhitu Peninsula and brought to Auckland Zoo for urgent care and rehabilitation. Ōrua was treated by the Veterinary team and the Elephant & Seal team over a three-week period before an attempt to release him back to the wild close to where he was found. This wild release was unsuccessful, as he kept returning to the beach. He was therefore brought back to the Zoo the following day and given his second chance at life in Takutai/The Coast 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.

Auckland Zoo’s mahi for marine species

While the Zoo will no longer be home to marine mammals, it continues to work with its strategic partner, the Department of Conservation, and others to treat sick/injured marine species, rehabilitate, and when possible to release these individuals back to the wild. Coastal/aquatic species that come into the Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital for treatment range from sea turtles and kōrorā to sea birds such as toroa/albatross and petrel.