SEA LION PUP IS NEWEST ADDITION TO OCEAN ADVENTURE

Brandy, a South American Sea Lion (OtariaByronia) and long-time resident of Ocean Adventure gave birth to a healthyfemale pup at 2:07 PM last August 18, 2013.

This is Brandy’s second pup and the eighth pup born in the successful sea lion breeding program at the marine theme park, proof indeed of Ocean Adventure’s ongoing commitment to the highest quality of care and welfare for their animals. The healthy little pup weighed approximately 6 kilograms at birth and was vocalizing with mom within  minutes.

In the wild, sea lion pups are born at the same time every year on beaches filled with hundreds of sea lions. Moms and babies find one another by recognizing each other’s unique vocalizations – an amazing feat!The baby was successfully nursing from Brandy within hours, and will continue to do so for the next 7-8 months.

In a few months she will begin to play with fish, eating small pieces in the process, until she is eating whole fish by about 6 months old.

This heartwarming pair is special because Brandy was diagnosed with bilateral mature cataracts 4 years ago. Although nearly blind, she is doing a remarkable job of caring for her second pup and the bond between mother and daughter is strong. Because Brandy enjoys “working”, she is a well known star of the environmentally-themed Sea Lion Marine Patrol show.

She will be taking a long break from her starring role to enjoy motherhood and introduce her pup to the rest of the sea lion group in the near future.

Ocean Adventure’s sea lions play a major role in the park’s advocacy of environmental protection and species conservation. While we recover from the recent calamity brought about by typhoon Maring and the Habagat, Brandy and her pup are a reminder to us all to take an active role in caring for the environment.

Ocean Adventure is an advocate for action. All the shows and exhibits are designed to enlighten and empower the public through highly educational and quality entertainment products.