Auckland Zoo Farewells Last Seal in New Zealand Zoos as 20-Year-Old Ōrua Euthanised
Auckland Zoo has farewelled Ōrua, a 20-year-old subantarctic fur seal and the last marine mammal in any zoo or aquarium throughout New Zealand. The geriatric seal was euthanised following deterioration of his specialist marine habitat, which had become unsafe and unrepairable after 25 years of operation.
Ōrua, via Auckland Zoo
Ōrua was rescued as a young pup in 2006 after being found washed up on a beach at the Awhitu Peninsula facing certain death in the wild. The Veterinary team and Elephant & Seal team provided urgent care and rehabilitation over a three-week period before attempting to release him back to the wild near where he was discovered. However, the release proved unsuccessful when Ōrua repeatedly returned to the beach. He was brought back to Auckland Zoo the following day and given a second chance at life in the Takutai/Coast habitat.
Ōrua via Auckland Zoo
Eight months into his zoo residency, veterinary examination revealed a cataract in Ōrua's left eye that significantly impaired his vision, a condition that would have rendered survival in the wild virtually impossible. This discovery cemented his need for ongoing care within a zoo environment.
At 20 years old, Ōrua was approaching the maximum known lifespan for subantarctic fur seals. He lived over 19 of his 20 years at the Takutai/Coast habitat, with 15 of those years spent alongside other rescued seals. Throughout his time at the zoo, Ōrua served as an exceptional ambassador for his species, inspiring millions of visitors to connect with and learn about marine conservation. The decision to euthanise him was made because the deteriorating quarter-century-old marine habitat could no longer maintain the quality environment necessary to meet his health and welfare needs.
The euthanasia marked a significant moment in New Zealand's zoo history, as Ōrua's passing ended an era of marine mammal care in the country's zoo system. His legacy extends beyond his individual life, having demonstrated the critical importance of marine species conservation to countless visitors over nearly two decades.
With Ōrua's death, the Takutai/The Coast habitat will permanently close. The zoo's kororā/little penguin residents have been successfully relocated to established aviaries at the upper section of the zoo, a non-visitor area where specialist bird keepers continue their dedicated care. Future redevelopment plans for the coastal habitat area will return it to kororā residents, though this development is projected several years away.
Auckland Zoo continues its commitment to marine species conservation through collaboration with the Department of Conservation and other partner organisations. The zoo's Veterinary Hospital treats and rehabilitates sick and injured coastal and aquatic species including sea turtles, kororā, and sea birds such as toroa/albatross and petrels, with the goal of returning these animals to the wild when possible.