Nothing like this had happened since 2001 when 35 male sea lions were killed in the Galapagos Islands. Back then, the animals’ genitals and teeth had been removed.
Now, a new attack in the exotic islands has resulted in 53 sea lions dead, including 13 pups, 25 youngsters, 9 males and 6 females. The animals were found with their heads caved in and in a state of decomposition about 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador. Unlike in the previous incident, this time no signs of mutilation or cuts were found on them.
Having already discarded that the animals were killed for their genitals, teeth or skin, the authorities are now trying to determine the motive of the massacre.
The Galapagos Islands, the first place ever to be designated as a World Heritage site, is home to one of the world’s most known animal and plant paradises.
Last year the UNESCO warned that the islands were in danger due to an increase in tourism and to invasive species migrating to the region.
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People who do this sort of thing should be subjected to exactly the same punishment. This is inexcusable under ANY circumstances.
i have read that often fishermen kill various mammals because they feel it effects their fishing livelyhood. yet i too find this as no excuse, it seems almost understandable if i were uninformed of their importance and at the same time time relied on the fish for my survival