Warning: This story contains images that may disturb some readers.
The brutal death of nine protected red-billed gulls in Kaikōura has been labelled "disappointing" by the Department of Conservation (DoC) - but people have been coming forward with information on the gruesome crime.
The native birds, which are protected by law and listed as 'threatened' in New Zealand, were found dead around the Kaikōura Wharf at the end of Avoca St, by guests staying at the Pier Hotel.
- Red billed gulls shot, run over or stamped to death in Kaikoura
- How the Kaikōura quake wiped out an ecosystem
- NZ has highest rate of endangered species on Earth
They had been shot, and some had been crushed by either being stamped on or run over by a vehicle, Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue's Sabrina Luecht told Newshub.
DoC Acting South Marlborough Operations Manager James Gilmour said the gulls deaths are being treated seriously.
"These red-billed gull deaths are disappointing. The red-billed gull is an at-risk species and its numbers have suffered major declines," he explained.
"Every bird is important to sustaining their population."
DoC is investigating the birds' deaths, and has had some people come forward with information which is being followed up, Mr Gilmour says.
Sabrina Luecht from Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue immediately went to the scene to take photographic evidence and locate any injured birds that would have to be put down on Sunday, after she was notified of the gruesome discovery.
"I only found one injured live bird, down near the water on the rocks, which I had euthanised at VetCare Kaikōura," she told Newshub.
She believes the birds, which roost on the rocks off the wharf, were shot with an air rifle or similar firearm, before being either run over with a vehicle or stamped to death by foot.
"There were apparently more injured live birds, but in the time that passed, they obviously made an attempt to get away," Ms Luecht said.
"There were many feathers over the wharf edge, heading towards the water."
The offence of hunting or killing protected wildlife holds a penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 - or both.
Any members of the public with information are urged to contact DoC on the 24-hour number 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).
Newshub.
