Utica Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a baby boy California Sea Lion to parents, Munchkin and Porter. The newest addition to the zoo’s sea lion family was born at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, in the sea lion’s indoor den.
Munchkin is 18 years old and has resided at the zoo since 1999, when she was placed from the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur in southern California. Porter is 14 years old and came to Utica Zoo in 2011 from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, La.
“We’ve had sea lion births here before, but it never stops being exciting for any of us,” said Beth Ricci, Area Lead Keeper and Primary sea lion trainer.
Porter and Munchkin were recommended to breed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. The SSP works to promote genetically diverse populations of captive sea lions. The successful breeding pair have two offspring that now live at other zoos across the country. Utica Zoo has had a long history of working with California sea lions, with the first arriving in Utica in 1976.
“Unlike seals, sea lions cannot swim when they’re born – they actually are taught by their moms”, said Pearl Yusuf, Director of Animal Operations. “So we’ll need to keep mom and pup out of the pool until we’re sure the pup is strong. But that should just be a matter of a few days.”
“Munchkin is an experienced mom so she’ll tell us when she’s ready to take the pup outside of the den,” Ricci said. “So far he’s looking pretty strong. I can’t wait to get new flippers in the pool.”
Utica Zoo will announce when the pup will be on public display.