Edith and Katie make a splash

New York, NY – May 6, 2011- Two young, female California sea lions have a new home at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo.

Edith, 9 months, was born at WCS’s New York Aquarium, and Katie, 2 years, was born at WCS’s Bronx Zoo. Both are named in honor of long-standing WCS trustees—Edith McBean and Katherine L. (Katie) Dolan.

The two new youngsters join Scooter, 25, and April, 20, in the sea lion court. Edith and Katie have begun participating in the daily enrichment sessions and they are learning very quickly how to earn fishy snacks.

“We are pleased to announce the arrival of Katie and Edith to our sea lion family at Central Park Zoo,” said Jeff Sailer, Director of City Zoos. “They are young and playful and will add a lot of energy to the sea lion pool and the daily feeding demonstrations.”

The sea lions are fed every day at 11:30 a.m., 2, and 4 p.m. During this time the keepers perform enrichment that provides the sea lions with mental and physical exercise. They work with the animals to strengthen bonds, stimulate natural instincts and behaviors, and facilitate care.

California sea lions live in large groups on the western coast of North America. Newborns weigh about 13 pounds and females grow to about 200 pounds as adults. There are an estimated 300,000 sea lions in the wild.

Contact:
Max Pulsinelli: (o) 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org
Steve Fairchild: (o) 718-220-5189; sfairchild@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.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo - Open every day of the year. General Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, $7 for children 3 to 12, and free for children younger than 3. Total Experience Admission is $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for senior citizens, and $13.00 for children 3 to 12. 4-D theater admission is $4.00 for members and $7.00 for non-members. Zoo hours are 10am to 5:30 pm, April through October, and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April. Tickets are sold until one half-hour before closing. The zoo is located at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. For further information, please call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com

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 wcs.org