Necropsy Finds Elephant Seal ‘Leôncio’ Was Killed by People in Alagoas

Overview

• Instituto Biota disclosed Wednesday that a preliminary necropsy showed deep cuts and heavy bleeding that occurred while Leôncio was still alive.
• Details released Thursday describe a blow to the skull, the removal of an eye, and injuries to fins and ribs, and the report has been sent to the Federal Public Ministry for investigation.
• Leôncio’s body was found Tuesday in Lagoa Azeda, Jequiá da Praia, days after the young southern elephant seal vanished from monitoring on March 27.
• Biota said the animal was molting and needed to rest onshore, and teams had warned crowds and drone users to keep a 30‑meter distance to reduce stress and harm.
• A separate young elephant seal was seen Wednesday resting on beaches in São Sebastião, São Paulo, and is under watch by local teams who urge people to stay back and avoid forcing it into the sea.