Sea Lion Gives Birth to Her First Pup at Temporary Home
Away From Zoo
June 2011
See photos.
The National Zoo is barking with excitement about its newest sea lion. Calli, the Zoo’s six year-old California sea lion gave birth to her first pup, a female, on June 17 at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Both mother and pup are healthy and doing well and will return to the National Zoo in spring 2012 after their new sensory-stimulating exhibit on the American Trail is completed. 
Help us build the new exhibit!
For now, mother and pup are bonding in their temporary home. The pup is swimming in the pool, but she is not quite adventurous enough to swim without Calli nearby. “When she goes in, Calli is right with her the entire time,” said National Zoo sea lion keeper, Malia Somerville, who has been in contact with keepers in Pittsburgh. The 20-pound baby girl is also not quite large enough yet to get out of the pool by herself, so Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium keepers have constructed a special ramp to help her.
When the sea lions return to the Zoo next year, visitors will be able to see Calli and her pup, who will by then likely weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and be much more confident, in a large exhibit that recreates the rocky coastline of California. The exhibit will be home to California sea lions, gray seals, and pelicans, all native to the coastal areas of California. The state-of-the-art exhibit will feature two new large saltwater pools, one for sea lions and one for seals. The pools will have wave machines to keep the water moving constantly in the exhibits, providing the pinnipeds with the enriching sensation of propelling themselves through the ocean. Sea lions are the fastest of all pinniped species and can swim at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch the animals explore their waters up close from underwater, water-level, and split-level viewing areas.
The animals will also have more options for places to rest out of the saltwater. Expanded beaches and new terraced areas will allow the seals and sea lions to sunbathe out of the water or partially submerged. In addition, the new pools will encourage the animals' natural curiosity with many enclaves and crevices to explore.
The seals and sea lions will not be the only animals splashing around in the water. Visitors will be able to dip their feet in a new simulated tide pool that will mimic the changes in tide that occur daily along the coast. Curious visitors will also learn about the relationship between human activities and the health of the California coastline.
The new seal and sea lion exhibit has been made possible in part by generous supporters of the National Zoo. Anyone who donates $2,500 or more to the campaign for the exhibit will have the chance to swim in the pools before the pup and the rest of the animals move in! Donate now (gifts of all sizes are welcome and greatly appreciated).
Photos of Calli and Her Pup, by FONZ Photo Club Member Lori Ducharme
