View source for Owha

{{Short description|Leopard seal (born before 2012)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox animal
| species       = [[Leopard seal]] (''Hydrurga leptonyx'')
| sex           = Female
| name          = He owha nā ōku tūpuna
| othername     = Owha
| image         = Owha the Leopard Seal (cropped).jpg
| birth_date    = Before 2012
| residence     = Waters off the northern [[North Island]], New Zealand
| image caption = Owha in 2016
}}
'''Owha''' ({{IPA-mi|ɔfa|}}, born before 2012) is a [[leopard seal]] that has been seen throughout the northern [[North Island]] of New Zealand, such as in [[Auckland]]'s [[Waitematā Harbour]], where she likes to sleep on [[Pontoon bridge|pontoons]]. Being known for what the news media website ''[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]'' has described as "highly inquisitive behaviour", Owha sometimes breaks [[Fender (boating)|fenders]] and pops inflatable [[dinghies]]. The long form of her name, '''He owha nā ōku tūpuna''', is [[Māori language|Māori]] for "treasured gift from our ancestors". The name was given to her in 2016 by local [[hapū]] [[Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei|Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei]]. She was last seen in 2022.
Owha's presence in Waitematā Harbour has been contentious, with some people wanting her to be relocated due to her tendency to cause damage to marine equipment, and the danger she poses to children and pets. The [[Department of Conservation (New Zealand)|Department of Conservation]] (DOC) has decided not to relocate her, due to the danger of anaesthetics towards leopard seals, and the possibility that she swims back to the harbour.
DOC describes Owha as "the longest tracked leopard seal in the world." She has helped encourage the research of the presence of leopard seals in New Zealand, which led to them being reclassified from a [[Vagrancy (biology)|vagrant]] species to a resident species in 2019.
== Life ==
Owha was first spotted off [[Dunedin]] in 2012. Since 2015, she has been moving between various places in the country, including the east coast of [[Northland Region|Northland]], [[Waitematā Harbour]] in [[Auckland]], Dunedin, the [[Bay of Plenty]], [[Whangārei]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Leopard seal provoked |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2019/leopard-seal-provoked/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=[[Department of Conservation (New Zealand)|Department of Conservation]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Owha and her friends awarded citizenship |url=https://niwa.co.nz/news/owha-and-her-friends-awarded-citizenship |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=[[NIWA]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=15 August 2019 |title=Oh no Owha! Seal makes snack of Auckland dinghies |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/396734/oh-no-owha-seal-makes-snack-of-auckland-dinghies |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> [[Waiheke Island]] and other islands in the [[Hauraki Gulf]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=14 October 2016 |title=Antarctic leopard seal given a name as it makes Auckland her new home |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/85369451/antarctic-leopard-seal-given-a-name-as-it-makes-auckland-her-new-home?rm=m |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> as well as in [[mangroves]].<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=3 January 2019 |title=Move to reclassify leopard seals as a 'resident' NZ species |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/379357/move-to-reclassify-leopard-seals-as-a-resident-nz-species |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> According to ''[[The New Zealand Herald]],'' Auckland's [[Westhaven Marina]] is her "favourite sun-bathing spot".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morton |first=Jamie |date=1 December 2017 |title=Auckland's Owha gets some summer company |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/aucklands-owha-gets-some-summer-company/UN3CTK23GUCJQKQ7I7N3JFB6HE/ |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> She likes to sleep on [[Pontoon bridge|pontoons]],<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=28 October 2019 |title=Auckland's beloved leopard seal Owha apparently shot in the face |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/116969151/aucklands-beloved-leopard-seal-owha-apparently-shot-in-the-face |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> which would attract crowds of people;<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 2018 |title=Owha the curious seal makes waves in Waitemata Harbour |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/369467/owha-the-curious-seal-makes-waves-in-waitemata-harbour |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand|COVID-19 pandemic]], authorities discouraged people from posting her location online in order to avoid breaking COVID-19 gathering rules.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2020 |title=Owha the leopard seal is back in Northland but don't post her location online |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/owha-the-leopard-seal-is-back-in-northland-but-dont-post-her-location-online/RLKY66KOYAFIAO3DOPXRNQDKMY/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Northern Advocate]]}}</ref>
In 2016, local [[hapū]] [[Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei|Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei]] gave her the name "He owha nā ōku tūpuna", or Owha for short, meaning "treasured gift from our ancestors".<ref name=":2" /> Being known for what ''[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]'' described as "highly inquisitive behaviour", Owha sometimes breaks [[Fender (boating)|fenders]], and pops inflatable [[dinghies]]<ref name=":1" /> or floods them by putting her head inside.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=14 August 2019 |title='Incredibly curious' leopard seal Owha returns to Auckland |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/396689/incredibly-curious-leopard-seal-owha-returns-to-auckland |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> She has a body length of {{cvt|3.1|m}} and a weight of {{Convert|400|kg|abbr=on}},<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=29 October 2019 |title=Wanted: $5000 reward for information on who shot Auckland's famous leopard seal |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wanted-5000-reward-for-information-on-who-shot-aucklands-famous-leopard-seal/DCXAPCBER6LHMJB6MF2ICAWAXM/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> as well as a V-shaped scar on her left cheek and parallel scars on her right side.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=19 September 2019 |title=Have you seen Owha? Search for injured leopard seal with foreign object in her mouth |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/115912207/have-you-seen-owha-search-for-injured-leapord-seal-with-foreign-object-in-her-mouth?rm=a |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref>
In 2017, she had a fishing hook get lodged in a flipper.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |date=17 January 2017 |title=Owha the leopard seal wows ferry commuters |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/owha-the-leopard-seal-wows-ferry-commuters/YHKPCFDHEYWCDHA75JS3IETJBY/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> In October 2019, she was found with a bleeding face, which was soon identified as being a gunshot wound.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leopard seal Owha injured in Auckland Harbour {{!}} NIWA |url=https://niwa.co.nz/news/leopard-seal-owha-injured-auckland-harbour |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=niwa.co.nz}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=28 October 2019 |title=Shot: Famed Auckland leopard seal Owha injured, firearm suspected |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/shot-famed-auckland-leopard-seal-owha-injured-firearm-suspected/NVZPBQXPEVSL3JQGBE6RQCCMVI/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 October 2019 |title=Leopard seal Owha's injury believed to be from bullet wound |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/401946/leopard-seal-owha-s-injury-believed-to-be-from-bullet-wound |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> She recovered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 October 2019 |title=Leopard seal Owha recovering well from bloody injury |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/402016/leopard-seal-owha-recovering-well-from-bloody-injury |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=17 December 2019 |title=Mystery remains over who attacked Owha the leopard seal |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405712/mystery-remains-over-who-attacked-owha-the-leopard-seal |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> In order to find the suspect, a $5000 reward was offered by the conservation group [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society|Sea Shepherd]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 November 2019 |title=Investigation into suspected gunshot wound of Auckland leopard seal Owha has good leads |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/117186484/investigation-into-suspected-gunshot-wound-of-auckland-leopard-seal-owha-has-good-leads |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 October 2019 |title=Auckland's resident leopard seal Owha resting after apparent gun shot to the face |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/116999101/aucklands-resident-leopard-seal-owha-resting-after-apparent-gun-shot-to-the-face |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref><ref name=":7" /> but the perpetrator was never found.<ref name=":9" /> In April 2022, the [[Department of Conservation (New Zealand)|Department of Conservation]] (DOC), [[Auckland Zoo]] and LeopardSeals.org worked together to cut free fishing hooks, a fishing line and sinkers from outside her mouth by using a long pole with scissors on the end.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Concern for Auckland's resident leopard seal, Owha, after fishing hook stuck in mouth |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300576021/concern-for-aucklands-resident-leopard-seal-owha-after-fishing-hook-stuck-in-mouth |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 April 2022 |title=Auckland leopard seal Owha recovering after fishing gear removed from mouth |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-leopard-seal-owha-recovering-after-fishing-gear-removed-from-mouth/EMKXGNNQOS7MJ4YUYNM5TMF3KE/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> But they were unable to remove the internal hook, as it would require that Owha be captured and anaesthetised, which the team considered too high-risk for Owha. Instead, they hoped the hook would rust away and the fishing line would be removed via defecation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 May 2022 |title=Owha the seal in distress as fishing gear gets caught in mouth |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466344/owha-the-seal-in-distress-as-fishing-gear-gets-caught-in-mouth |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref>
Because leopard seals may defend themselves when they perceive a threat, DOC has placed several signs around several Auckland marinas that are often occupied by Owha, which explain how to stay safe near her. It is encouraged that people keep a distance of at least {{Convert|20|m}}, and to keep children and dogs away from her.<ref name=":2" />
Owha has not been seen since May 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2022 |title=Have you seen Owha? |url=https://www.facebook.com/LeopardsealsightingsNZ/posts/1737416676600872/ |access-date=31 July 2024 |website=[[Facebook]] |vauthors=((Leopard Seals NZ))}}</ref><!-- In response to a July 2024 comment asking if Owha has been seen since the post was made, Leopard Seals NZ wrote "unfortunately not". -->
== Calls for removal ==
Several people have suggested that Owha be relocated from Waitematā Harbour. One reason for this is the danger posed by leopard seals to children or pets. Another is her tendency to cause damage to marine equipment, as damage caused by her has totalled several thousand dollars.<ref name=":1" />
The Department of Conservation has said that relocating Owha is not an option, as the tranquilisers needed for it could kill her, due to a dive reflex seals have which stops them from breathing.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Another problem is that due to the fact that leopard seals often travel long distances, it is possible that if Owha were to be relocated, she may just make her way back to the harbour.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=31 January 2019 |title=Auckland leopard seal Owha causing trouble, but can't be relocated |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/110265601/auckland-leopard-seal-owha-causing-trouble-but-cant-be-relocated |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref><ref name=":13" />
In 2019, DOC started trialling harmless ways to get rid of Owha from Westhaven Marina, starting by using light and then moving to sound and hose water as a last resort.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":13">{{Cite news |date=30 October 2019 |title=Auckland marinas want to be able to remove seals |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/117003708/auckland-marinas-want-to-be-able-to-remove-seals |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> A few months later, Empire Capital Limited—the owner of Bayswater, Pine Harbour and Hobsonville marinas—applied for rights to use those methods to remove her from their properties.<ref name=":13" />
LeopardSeals.org spokeperson Krista Hupman encourages the co-existence with Owha and, by extension, leopard seals. She suggests giving them toys to play with, to distract them from causing damage to marine equipment.<ref name=":13" />
== Research ==
According to DOC, Owha is "the longest tracked leopard seal in the world".<ref name=":0" /> In order to track her movements, and the movements of other leopard seals, DOC helped modify a phone app used to report [[Hector's dolphin]] sightings so that it can accept reports of other marine species.<ref name=":11" />
Owha encouraged Krista Hupman to research the presence of leopard seals in New Zealand. She and LeopardSeals.org (which she co-founded) gathered over 3,000 sightings records from newspapers, museums, a new [[hotline]], and Māori [[Midden|middens]], as well as three records of births on the mainland.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /> Following this, DOC reclassified leopard seals from a [[Vagrancy (biology)|vagrant]] species in New Zealand to resident species in 2019.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 May 2019 |title=Leopard seals now officially considered New Zealand residents |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/113020936/leopard-seals-now-officially-considered-new-zealand-residents |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Mum (sea lion)]], who spent time in Otago
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcgK-zoInPQ 'Owha' the leopard seal moves to Hobsonville Pt] on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUVKXlnEyaI Leopard seal wreaking havoc for boaties in Auckland's Westhaven Marina] on YouTube
[[Category:Waitematā Harbour]]
[[Category:Individual seals and sea lions]]
[[Category:Individual animals in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Missing or escaped animals]]