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Return of the New Zealand Sea Lion

Return of the New Zealand Sea Lion. This is one of New Zealand's greatest wildlife comeback stories, as the locally extinct New Zealand Sea Lion reclaims the beaches along the South Island coastline for the first time in over 150 years.

Join wildlife filmmaker JJ Emerson as he dives deep into the history of this iconic marine mammal, spending time amongst the Sea Lions in their newly reclaimed habitat, on the outskirts of Dunedin.

  • Jacob 'JJ' Emerson
    Director
  • Jacob 'JJ' Emerson
    Writer
  • Jacob 'JJ' Emerson
    Producer
  • Jacob 'JJ' Emerson
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Nature Documentary
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • New Zealand Festival of Nature
    Dunedin
    New Zealand
    April 11, 2024
    Otago Museum, Dunedin
Director Biography - Jacob 'JJ' Emerson

Jacob 'JJ' Emerson is a nature, wildlife and travel filmmaker, videographer and photographer passionate about sharing wildlife stories and has done so for many years, utilising the power of social media as a catalyst for telling stories. With a background in zoology, conservation biology and wildlife tourism the wilderness makes a great office!

His most recent project 'Return of the New Zealand Sea Lion' shares one of New Zealand's greatest wildlife comeback stories, for a highly endangered marine mammal. This film was later screened at the New Zealand Festival of Nature and the Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin.

JJ is forever pursuing more wild stories to enlighten and educate others to live harmoniously with our planet.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This story is just the first chapter, of a species removed from New Zealand for over 150 years. Now it has returned, Dunedinites must learn to live alongside them and appreciate this incredible marine mammal!