Sea-Lion Pup Splashes in to Taronga Zoo Sydney Family

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 22, 2020 4:15 am

Australian sea lion pup Taronga Zoo Sydney

The Australian Sea Lion Pup at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo Sydney in Australia has revealed their latest Australian sea-lion pup who will go on exhibit from today. The pup was born on Wednesday July 30th to mum Nala and father Charlie.

Nala and Charlie are experienced parents having previously welcomed a male pup, Torre in late 2018.

The Australian Sea Lion Pup at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

“Weighing in at only 7kg at birth, the little pup has increased not only in weight but has shown a massive increase in confidence over the past week. She is now constantly swimming and playing in the water, which is the type of progress we would like to see at this age” says Marine Mammals Unit Supervisor Brad McKenzie.

Taronga Zoo Sydney is looking for assistance in deciding the pups name. Keepers have narrowed it down to two names and now a competition will determine the final name.

The two names selected by keepers are Amalie which is a tribute to the pup’s late Grandfather and Nala’s Father Mallie, or Kailani which is of Hawaiian origin and translates to sea and sky.

Guests can submit the reason they think a name should be chosen to win a family pass to the zoo and a seal encounter. For entry details along with terms and conditions visit the Taronga Zoo Sydney Website – Taronga Zoo Sydney.

The Australian Sea Lion Pup at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

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The Australian sea-lion pup will go on display at Taronga Zoo Sydney’s Seal Bay exhibit from today ready for the start of school holidays.

“We are thrilled that she is going to be out on display these spring school holidays. At the moment she is learning to vocalize and although I may be biased, but it is probably one of most adorable sounds ever!” said Mckenzie.

While all animal births are exciting keepers are especially pleased at the successful breeding of the Australian sea-lion as these animals are endangered. Their numbers continue to decline due to entanglement in marine debris, overfishing and their isolated populations.