- Utah's Hogle Zoo welcomed two male sea lions: Kenney and Banana.
- Kenney, 3, from Chicago, and Banana, 7, from Ohio, join Hogle resident sea lion Maverick, 14.
- The sea lions are adjusting well, showing natural behaviors and forming social hierarchies.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's Hogle Zoo has a new pair of pinni-pals splashing around in its Rocky Shores exhibit.
California sea lions Kenney, 3, and Banana, 7, are the latest residents at the zoo, according to an announcement the zoo made Thursday. Kenney came from an aquarium in Chicago, and Banana arrived from a zoo, the Columbus Zoo.
Together with the resident sea lion Maverick, 14, the pinnipeds now have a "dynamic group setting" according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' species survival plan.
The three sea lions share a pool with harbor seals Mira and Nika and can be seen swimming in circles around the rocky underwater enclosure.
As the smallest and youngest sea lion, Kenney is curious and playful. He loves ice enrichment and treats and is often seen playing and interacting with toys in his habitat.
Banana was described as an intelligent sea lion who is motivated by learning, according to the zoo. He loves complex enrichment activities that challenge him to problem solve and enjoys working with his trainers. Banana has long whiskers and is slightly smaller than Maverick.
"In human care and their natural habitats, sea lions have social hierarchies. Animal care teams are closely monitoring expected, natural social behaviors, such as vocalizing, swimming together and occasional nipping, as the sea lions communicate and establish hierarchy," the zoo said in a statement.
Positive signs of the animals getting comfortable include spending time resting on land and establishing preferred areas within the habitat, the zoo said.
Animal care supervisor Michael Salinas said he is thrilled to see Maverick finding companionship with his fellow sea lions. Maverick has been the sole sea lion at the zoo since Diego died six months ago.
"One of the best things about working in the zoological field is watching your animals thrive both behaviorally and socially. These types of events not only help animals, but they also help us learn and grow as animal caretakers. We are excited to see our new pinniped group reach new heights in the years to come," he said.
Additional animal care staff will be present in the habitat while the animals continue to adjust to their new environment and get trained in their care routines.
Most recent Outdoors stories
Related topics
Cassidy Wixom
