SEA-LION VISITOR

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 45, 9 March 1937, Page 4

SEA-LION VISITOR

Short Stay at Kairakau Beach FOUND EXHAUSTED An unusual visitor to Kairakau beacb recently was a sea-lion, whicjb was left stranded on tbe shore dnring a beavy sea last week, and beacb residents were most interested in its appearance, tbis being tbe first member of tbe species to visit tbe Waipawa beacb resort. Tbe sea-lion' s stay was a comparatively short one, as some of tbe residents assisted tbe animal back into tbe water, and wben last seen, it was progressing steadily out to seaTbis sea-lion is believed to have been one c**. tbe southera sea^Iions, known as Otaria jubata, as found in tbe wpters around tbe Falkland Islands and tbe South Pacific Ocean. Tbe animal, wben found on the beacb, appeared to bave b.een spverely buffeted by tbe sea and was in a j state of extreme exbaustion, sbowing j little signs of activity, A number of people attempted in vain to give tbe animal some nourishment. but all efforts at kindly ministration were refused. Wben tbe tide came in towards evening tbe sea-lion was assisted to tbe water, and, once in tbe waves, revived rapidly for some time giving an aquatio display in the breakers, Soon after it made for tbe open sea, disappearing into tbe gathering dusk.