German zoo suspects 'foul play' after sea lion found clubbed to death

Holly, a 21-year-old sea lion who had a young pup, was discovered by Dortmund keepers on Friday

Sea lions at Whipsnade Zoo have had problems with their eyesight (Getty Images)

Distraught zookeepers discovered one of their favourite sea lions beaten to death and are investigating claims the animal may have been deliberately killed by an intruder.

Holly, a 21-year-old sea lion in Dortmund Zoo in western Germany, was found on Friday morning.

While her keepers initially thought the animal’s death was accidental, further investigation revealed her skull had been caved in, and she was missing three teeth.

An autopsy revealed there was “evidence of foul play,” The Local reported, adding zoo staff found a hole in the fence near the sea lion enclosure suggesting perhaps the centre had been broken into the night before the animal’s death.

"The employees who worked directly with her are very sad, and the zoo as well," Zoo director Frank Brandstätter told The Local.

While there have been break-ins at the zoo before, keepers told local newspapers there had never been an incident like this before. None of the zoo staff are under any suspicion of involvement in the break-in or death.

Although known for its South American species, Dortmund zoo runs a special daily show featuring sea lions. Holly, who had one young pup as well as grown offspring, was “very popular” at the zoo, staff added.