Key Takeaways
- A sea lion named Mika entered a fish and chip shop in St Kilda, staying for about half an hour before being guided out by a Department of Conservation (Doc) ranger
- The reason for Mika’s visit is unknown, but it’s speculated that she may have been looking for food for her pup
- Mika is a new mother, having given birth on January 2, and is part of the Dunedin sea lion group
- The Doc is monitoring the sea lion population in the area, with 13 pups born in the past couple of weeks and a hoped-for total of 35 pups this season
- Sea lions are known to move inland after giving birth to protect themselves and their pups from harassment by males
Introduction to Mika’s Unusual Visit
Perhaps she wanted her blue cod cooked for once. This humorous speculation may have been on the minds of onlookers as a sea lion named Mika wandered into a fish and chip shop in St Kilda. The unusual visit has left many wondering what could have prompted Mika to enter the takeaway, especially since no sea lion had ever been known to do so before. According to Rachel Ng, the owner of the Marlow store, Mika entered the shop around 6pm and stayed for about half an hour, lying on the floor and soaking up the atmosphere. The only human customer present at the time quickly left, leaving Mika to enjoy the shop’s ambiance.
The Department of Conservation’s Involvement
The Department of Conservation (Doc) was contacted, and ranger Moss Thompson arrived to oversee Mika’s departure. The process of guiding Mika out of the shop was a careful one, involving the use of a pot and wooden shields to gently coax her outside. Ms. Ng noted that Mika’s presence was a bit bothersome, as it prevented customers from entering the shop during one of the busier times of the day. However, the crowd that gathered outside to watch Mika seemed to be enjoying the unusual spectacle, with many waiting for her to depart so they could get their own takeaway.
Mika’s Background and Motivations
As it turns out, Mika is a new mother, having given birth to her pup on January 2. According to Mr. Thompson, Mika had been at sea gathering food for her pup and had stopped at the takeaway on her way back to her baby. While it’s unclear why Mika chose to enter the shop, it’s possible that she was looking for a convenient source of food. Mr. Thompson noted that he had not heard of a sea lion going into a business like this before, and there was no clear reason for it. However, as a new mother, Mika’s priorities are likely focused on providing for her pup and keeping it safe.
Sea Lion Behavior and Conservation
New sea lion mothers like Mika often move inland after giving birth to protect themselves and their pups from harassment by males. This behavior is a common adaptation to ensure the survival of the young. Mika, who is the great, great granddaughter of Mum, the matriarch of the Dunedin sea lion group, is part of a larger population that is being monitored by the Doc. In fact, the Doc has recorded 13 pups born in the Dunedin area over the past couple of weeks, with the first pup born on Christmas Day. The hope is for 35 pups to be born in the area this season, which would be a significant addition to the local sea lion population.
Conclusion and Future Monitoring
Mika’s unusual visit to the fish and chip shop may have been a one-time incident, but it highlights the importance of monitoring and understanding sea lion behavior. As the Doc continues to track the sea lion population in the area, it’s likely that more information will come to light about Mika and her pup. For now, Mika’s visit remains a charming and intriguing anecdote, one that has captured the attention of the local community and sparked interest in the lives of these fascinating creatures. As the sea lion population in the area continues to grow, it’s essential to ensure that these animals are protected and conserved for future generations to enjoy.