Seals yet to enter export quarantine term

DELAYS: Eight seals at Marineland are yet to pass their quarantine period. PHOTO/FILE

The remaining seals at Napier's Marineland are still undergoing pre-quarantine checks.

The eight seals began the quarantine process in late January. There have been delays in reaching full compliance and, as a result, the seals are yet to enter the required 120-day pre-export quarantine process.

"While the delay is disappointing the main thing is the seals remain in good hands and are being well looked after by our team," tourism services manager Neil Fergus said.

"This is an unusual case with procedure, protocols and infrastructure having to be adapted to suit these circumstances which has taken longer than we anticipated."

The seals will be rehomed at zoos in Australia.

The Marineland site, which closed to the public in 2008, will be incorporated into the ongoing redevelopment of Napier's Marine Parade.

In January, it was reported the eight remaining seals, including two sea lions, would be in quarantine for 120 days pending transfer.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Marineland had been "offered the opportunity" for a feasibility study into the future of the site, which some members still want done.

The group was formed seven years ago to campaign for the reopening of Marineland as a marine wildlife centre, focusing on rescue and education but offering the public the chance of close-up marine life encounters. In December 2010, after more than two decades of debate over the future of Marineland and with its performing dolphin days a nostalgic memory, the council decided on permanent closure, which was challenged unsuccessfully by the Friends of Marineland in an application to the High Court.