There are no longer any seals or sealions in New Zealand zoos or aquariums after the death of the last fur seal in captivity.

Auckland Zoo today said it had farewelled Ōrua, the geriatric fur seal who was rescued and given a second lease on life at the Western Springs park almost two decades ago.

The 20-year-old subantarctic fur seal was euthanised yesterday in what the zoo called “an extremely difficult decision”.

The organisation cited a deteriorating, quarter-century-old habitat that could no longer be maintained to a standard that fitted Ōrua’s health and welfare needs as being behind the call.

The zoo's former seal keeper, Odin, with Ōrua. Photo / Auckland Zoo

“It’s been an extremely difficult decision for our carnivore and veterinary teams, who have been so instrumental in providing Ōrua with the dedicated care and a life he would not otherwise have had,” said Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley.

“However, in these circumstances, this decision to euthanise him is absolutely the correct one, giving Ōrua the dignified and peaceful end of life he so deserves.”

At 20 years old, Ōrua was close to the maximum lifespan known for his species and had health problems, including significant visual impairment. The fur seal spent more than 19 of his 20 years at the zoo’s Takutai/Coast habitat – 15 of these with other rescued seals.

In his over 19 years at the zoo, the seal was an excellent ambassador for marine life and marine conservation. Photo / Auckland Zoo

Ōrua was a wild-born subantarctic fur seal, rescued from an otherwise certain death 19 years ago and given a second chance at life at the Zoo.

The seal pup was found washed up on a beach on Āwhitu Peninsula in 2006 and brought to Auckland Zoo for healthcare. Ōrua was treated at the zoo over a three-week period, before an unsuccessful attempt was made to release him back into the wild.

A decision was then made to rehome the seal at the zoo and eight months later, it was discovered he had a cataract in his left eye, which significantly impacted his vision and would have almost certainly made life impossible for him in the wild.

The zoo’s carnivore team leader, Nick Parashchak, said it had been a privilege to care for Ōrua, calling the pinniped “a wonderfully smart, curious and charismatic animal with personality-plus”.

“In his over 19 years at the zoo, he has been an incredible ambassador for marine life and marine conservation, and given millions upon millions of our visitors amazing opportunities to connect with, experience, and learn about his species.”

Ōrua was the last seal at Auckland Zoo. Photo / Auckland Zoo

The seal’s passing marks the end of an era for the zoo, which will no longer be home to marine mammals. The organisation intends to continue working with the Department of Conservation, and others groups, to treat and rehabilitate sick and injured marine species.

Ōrua’s former habitat will now permanently close. The zoo’s kōrorā/little penguins who also used the enclosure have been relocated to established, non-visitor aviaries at the zoo while the habitat is redeveloped.