Zoo News
Sea Lion Training
Tanner Adams, winner of the Sea Lion Pup Naming Contest, participated in the sea lion training on August 20. Tanner selected the name Coco Pup which was chosen by the sea lion keepers out of 6,438 name submissions.
Training sessions for sea lions are during feeding time. Each sea lion is taught a number of behaviors. They can include opening their mouths, handing the trainer their flipper, sitting on the edge of the deck, jumping up to touch a target and spinning in the water. When the sea lions perform the behaviors, they are rewarded with a fish. The behaviors help in the management and care of the animals. Each sea lion is trained to stand next to the trainers on the deck.