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The Gurdon & Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory houses animals in need of rehabilitation or a temporary home. |
Gurdon & Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory
Three playful sea lion pups have taken up residence!
What do you get when you put three California sea lion pups together? A lot of energy! The Aquarium recently welcomed three pups – two females from SeaWorld in San Diego and one male from The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Each is approximately one year old and has made their new home here in Mystic. Come watch them play and learn from our trainers throughout the day at the Gurdon and Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory.
The male sea lion pup was rescued in Morro Bay Harbor in San Luis Obispo County and admitted to The Marine Mammal Center in December 2008. After treatment he was released back into the wild but re-stranded again several times, often found surrounded by people. His apparent preference to human company has made him unsuitable for life in the wild, but he’ll fit in perfectly with his new friends here!
The two females come from SeaWorld’s Stranded Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation program. One was rescued in February 2009 at Ocean Beach in San Diego, California, and the other was rescued in January 2009 at Oceanside Harbor in Oceanside, California.
The pups are now permanent residents and will eventually join the Aquarium’s other sea lions. They are also ambassadors, revealing the challenges animals face in the wild. Come meet them – they’ll be all grown up before you know it!
The Gurdon & Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory is made possible through the generosity of the New York Community Trust, the Wattles Family Charitable Trust Fund, and Dr. George M. & Carol Milne.