September 9, 2009 by KelseyMiller •

The Seal and Sea Lion exhibit is a must see part of your day at SeaWorld.   Not only can you see up close California sea lions and harbor seals, but you also have the opportunity to feed them.

When guests are visiting the exhibit one of the most popular questions they ask is, “Why do those big sea lions have a number on their back?”  These three male California sea lions came to us from the Bonneville Dam in Washington with an interesting story.

They were three of many male sea lions that had discovered the salmon and sturgeon near the dam.  The animals would swim up the river and eat large numbers of the fish, some of which were the endangered Chinook salmon.

The sea lions were not native to the area, but had discovered the easy fishing.  They would swim up the river to eat fish and fatten up before returning to the beaches for the breeding season.  The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Agency as well as government officials were monitoring the movements of the animals and in order to easily identify the individuals from a distance each sea lion was branded with a number.

All three of the males that now reside here at SeaWorld were repeat offenders, returning year after year to feast on the fish. In an effort to help the fish populations the animals were caught and relocated in the hopes that they would not return to the dam.

Unfortunately, they found their way back and resumed feeding.  In a last effort to save the sea lions, Fish and Wildlife sent out word that any marine park or aquarium with proper facilities could give some of the sea lions a new home.  Bogart, Tacoma and Chinook arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio on April 30, 2008 and spent a few months acclimating to their new environment before joining our sea lion population in the Seal and Sea Lion Community Pool.

They have now resided in our large community pool for almost a full year, and Bogart has made himself the master of the exhibit.  It wasn’t too difficult when you consider he weighs at least 400 more pounds than any other animal out there.  And so, don’t forget to stop by and say hello to our large friends from Washington when you next visit the park.  It’s easy to find the Seal and Sea Lion Community Pool, just listen for Bogart announcing his presence to the world.

Kelsey

Related posts:

1. The Pinnipeds of the Rocky Point Exhibit
2. Sea Lion Pup Born at SeaWorld
3. Moving Time: SeaWorld Trainer Moves to New Waters
4. Getting Creative: Artistic Animals
5. New Arrivals for 2010 at Sharks/The Coral Reef

Tags: Bonnevville Dam, sea lions, Seal and Sea Lion Community Pool, SeaWorld San Antonio

Posted in animals