Every year in summer, on the Otago Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand, something special happens ...
... mature female sea lions seek out secluded, safe locations in which to birth their young (pups).
The Otago Peninsula this year, saw an estimate of 15 pups born, which is the highest number recorded since 1993. The New Zealand sea lion is endemic to New Zealand and is one of the most regionally localized and rare of the world's pinnipeds. It is classified as a threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Females form into harems of up to 25 and are attended by a single dominant bull. Other males remain around the periphery and occasionally challenge the dominant bull. These challenges result in aggressive displays and fighting as the dominant bull defends his harem.
The female is in heat for two weeks after giving birth, and at times this can result in the accidental death (due to crushing) of a newly born pup, as bulls attempt to mate either with a pup or the mother. A mature female will give birth to a single pup every one to two years and will continue to suckle her pup for the first year of its life. If a breeding female dies during a pups first year, it is quite likely she will also be carrying a developing fetus; this means three animals could be lost - the mother, the pup and the fetus. As sea lion pups are totally dependent upon their mothers for milk and protection during that first year, if left alone they are extremely vulnerable.
This wee pup was practising his "domination" through play-fighting with several other pups that were part of a group of females on the Otago Peninsula. It was interesting to see a single adult female "in charge" of the young ones, whilst the other mothers were out feeding. She kept a watchful eye over the youngsters and was quick to call them back in if they wandered too far away. Interestingly, just like wilful children, the pups were eager to stay away playing, and they put on an entertaining display of character and comedy for onlookers.
Whilst the opportunity to photograph these curious cute pups was not to be passed over, I was also mindful of how we do not want sea lions to become used to human company. They are naturally curious and will follow people simply to check out what is going on. Adults, in particular adult males during breeding season, can be very aggressive.
Let's admire this 'dog of the sea', but most of all, let's protect them by giving them space so that numbers on the Otago Peninsula can rebound.