Marineland mammals farewell Napier

Marineland mammals farewell Napier

Five of Marineland’s remaining mammals left Napier early this morning bound for new homes in Australia.

Californian sea lions Dakota and Orion, New Zealand fur seals Iha and Ollie, and sub-Antarctic fur seal Mako were transported from the Marine Parade facility to Hawke’s Bay Airport late last night (Tuesday 9 December) where they were met by a New Zealand Airforce Hercules crew.

The Airforce stepped in to help the Napier City Council get the animals to Auckland International Airport, as no commercial flights from Napier were big enough to take the animals’ travelling crates and a road trip would have added several hours to the journey.

A full transport management plan was prepared by Council staff and approved by the Ministry of Primary Industries. Mainfreight was selected to co-ordinate the move because of its substantial experience transporting quarantined animals.

The animals, along with four keepers, flew out of Auckland this morning on Air New Zealand commercial flights.

Iha is going to Melbourne Zoo, Ollie is going to Taronga Zoo, and the other three are headed for Sea World at Surfers’ Paradise.

Speaking on behalf of all the keepers, senior keeper Regan Beckett said they were happy the animals were going to quality homes, and that they would be in caring and capable hands. “I don't feel we’re saying goodbye to them, I’m sure we’ll meet again as Australia isn't that far away. We look forward to hearing of how they are after our departure and in the future.”

All the animals, including the last three left at Marineland, fur seals Molly, Mr Bo, short for Mr Bojangles, and Pania, have been under strict quarantine since 1 August 2014. After arrival in Australia they have to go through an Australian quarantine period of 30 days before they can join the zoo populations.

Molly, Mr Bo and Pania are due to leave Marineland in March next year.

ENDS

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