Gem the sea lion and her pup, who made their home on Tomahawk Beach, have been moved to a safer location.
The Department of Conservation decided the risk of the 5-day-old pup being injured or harassed at the popular dog walking beach was too high, especially as her mother would soon leave her to feed at sea, Doc coastal Otago area manager Robin Thomas said.
"There are always risks associated with moving wildlife. However, the risk of leaving the pup alone on Tomahawk Beach was greater."
Early yesterday, Doc staff, members of the Sea Lion Trust, University of Otago researchers and a veterinarian moved the pair. Gem was restrained and tranquilised before being moved in a ute and the pup was put in a cage.
"It went as well as could be hoped."
They were moved to a quiet, remote location (which Doc did not want revealed) that Gem was familiar with, and the pair quickly bonded again when they were released, he said. At the new location the pup was tagged and a DNA sample was taken.
"She reunited quickly with the pup and fed it. They're being monitored to make sure everything is OK."
There was a chance Gem could return to Tomahawk Beach, but Doc was hoping as she had bonded again with her pup, there was less of a chance of that happening.
Doc would monitor the beach in case Gem did turn up and asked that the public immediately report any sightings of a sea lion on the beach during the next few days.
"We have a contingency plan if that happens but we're extremely hopeful."
Having the pair at Tomahawk had been a good learning experience for people, especially families, but it was not sustainable in the longer term, he said.
