Californian Sea Lion pup born at Dublin Zoo

DUBLIN Zoo is celebrating its latest arrival – a cute, male Californian sea lion pup.

The newcomer was born early on May 22 and weighs approximately 3kgs.

The youngster joins his mother, Seanna, his three-year-old sister, Flo, and another female sea lion, Cassie, in their habitat.

Team leader Eddie O’Brien, said everybody at the zoo was delighted with the new-born pup.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the birth,

? he said.

“I’m delighted to say that Mum and pup are doing very well. Sea lion’s milk is so rich in nutrients and fat that our new arrival will grow very quickly.

?

Californian Sea Lions are born on land and without the ability to swim so for the first day of his life, the pup’s mother stayed with him on land. On day two, Mum led the pup to water and taught him how to swim.

Californian Sea Lions are fast learners and the pup has become a comfortable swimmer after just a few days. However his mother still keeps a close eye on him when he is in the water.

The zookeeper talk

‘Sealion Splash’ happens at 2.15pm every day so this is a good time for visitors to go along and see the pup splashing about with his family.

Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 6pm. For further information visit www.facebook.com /dublin­zoo or www.dublin zoo.ie.