New York – July 23, 2010 – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium has visitors ooh-ing over its newest, and first ever, baby California sea lion.

This playful baby girl was born at the aquarium to mom, Clarice. Only 15 pounds at birth, she is getting a little bigger each day. Adult female sea lions can weigh as much as 250 pounds, so this pup still has a lot of growing to do.

“This is the first sea lion ever born at our aquarium, and we are very excited,” said Jon Dohlin, director of the New York Aquarium. “She is very sweet, and we are sure she will become an instant Coney Island celebrity and a favorite among our guests.”

On exhibit with fellow sea lions Nav and, of course, mom Clarice, the pup is still getting used to life in the water. She spends most of her time exploring the rocks and waters of the aquarium’s Sea Cliffs exhibit, which is a representation of the sea lion’s natural habitat on the West Coast.

Animal keepers say the precious pup is doing very well in her new home. Keepers look forward to her participation in basic sea lion training when she is a little older. The training is designed to teach specific behaviors in order to give the sea lions basic veterinary exams to ensure they are healthy.

Once visitors have a chance to introduce themselves to the new baby, no one should miss the opportunity to learn about California sea lions and watch them entertain the crowd at the Aquatheater every day at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m.  Private interactive sea lion experiences are available at the Aquatheater for an additional charge.

As an added treat, a name for this cute pup will be auctioned off at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Dinner by the Sea, held at WCS’s New York Aquarium on September 22. This annual benefit supports the aquarium and its mission to educate visitors and protect local and global marine life.

Contact:    
Barbara Russo - 212-439-6527; brusso@wcs.org
Steve Fairchild – 718-220- 5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
Max Pulsinelli – 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org


The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10am, and closing times vary seasonally. Admission is $13.00 for adults, $9.00 for children ages 3-12 and $10.00 for senior citizens (65 and older); children under 3 years of age are admitted free. Fridays after 3pm, admission is by suggested donation. The Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other Aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn’s most heavily attended attraction and a beloved part of the City of New York.

Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to: www.wcs.org/donation.