Pittsburgh Zoo Welcomes A

California Sealion Pup

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 23, 2020 10:52 pm

Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh zoo and PPG Aquarium has welcomed a California sea lion pup to their family. Mum Kelilah gave birth to the pup on Wednesday, June 10th 2020.

The pup was named Smiley by the team from Eat’n Park Restaurants. Their chief marketing officer Kevin O’Connell explained their choice, “We like to make people smile, and sea lions are pretty good at that, too! ‘Smiley’ seemed like the perfect name to share with the new pup.”

At present the gender of the pup is yet to be determined. Keepers and vets will give mum and the pup time to bond before they undertake a health check where this can be determined. The pup will also be weighed and given a general health exam.

Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Keepers will be continuing to monitor the pup as it grows only interfering if it stopped nursing. Henry Kacprzyk, curator of Kids Kingdom said, “The next big challenge for Smiley will be when Kelilah begins the first swimming lessons in a couple of weeks.”

A California sea lions pregnancy lasts for 11 months and pups are born at the beginning of summer when food is plentiful. Pups are born well developed and can move, scratch and groom soon after birth.

While this pup is a single infant which is typical for sea lions pups, twins are possible.  At present it is noticeable due to its dark brown coat though this will fade to the lighter colour of the adults as it grows.

Video Credit: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Learn more about the California sea lion here – California sea lion | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium on their website – Pittsburgh Zoo