Fate of seals uncertain

The long-term future of the remaining two sea lions and seven seals at Marineland is yet to be resolved.

Napier City Council officials met with Department of Conservation officers yesterday morning for what the council's Tourism Services manager Neil Fergus said was a routine meeting as part of an ongoing series.

While the long-term future of the remaining animals had been raised nothing firm had been settled.

There would continue to be further meetings, Mr Fergus said.

"There is nothing new to report at this stage."

Two of the sea lion population had died over the past five weeks - 8-year-old Rufus on December 9, and his 22-year-old father Makea last Friday.

Mr Fergus said the two California sea lions, six New Zealand fur seals and one sub-Antarctic fur seal were receiving "very good care" from the Marineland staff on site.

They were regularly checked by DoC officers.