Yet another life lost thanks to the DEWNR providing the wrong information to concerned members of the public after this young Australian sea lion walked into a caravan park and slowly died with no assistance whatsoever by the very department who is responsible for them.
The young Australian sea lion left for dead in a caravan park by DEWNR Officers
This young and extremely emaciated Australian sea lion was exhibiting clear signs it required immediate assistance. Not only did the animal not move a mussel when approached, it was clearly malnourished and was suffering.
Concerned members of the public contacted the “authorities”, in this case the Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources who attended shortly thereafter. The officer (admitting to himself) he did not know much about these animals so did the right thing by contacting his superior for advice (who had work on the “marine parks” project); the advice that was given was to tell the concerned members of the public that its mother will return overnight to collect it and that “it was fine”. Considering this came from his superior the officer informed the member of public and left the animal where found (in a caravan park near a cabin).
The following morning this young Australian sea lion (a threatened species and the world’s rarest seal) was found dead in the same spot.
The advice that was given was not only wrong in every possible way concerning this particular animal; it just goes to show how little DEWNR really cares about such issues on ground.
Furthermore, the safety issues surrounding a potentially diseased animal sleeping and dying in a caravan park where adults and children alike eat, play and sleep clearly is something that was disregarded.
The body was collected by DEWNR the following morning.
If you find an injured marine animal or would like advice please feel free to contact AMWRRO 24/7
