South Sound News

Two rescued sea lions to make debut at Point Defiance Zoo this weekend

Eloise (left) and Boomer (right).

TACOMA, Wash. — The Point Defiance Zoo announced Friday that two rescued, orphaned California sea lions have arrived at the zoo.

Eloise and Boomer arrived at the zoo last week and brings the zoo’s sea lion count to five.

"We're so pleased that we can give a home to these young sea lions," said Malia Somerville, the zoo's curator of marine mammals and birds. "As orphans, they both had a rough start in life, and would not have survived without expert human care. Now they can be ambassadors, inspiring us all to protect wildlife."

Eloise was spotted alone at La Jolla Cove Beach in June 2018 and Boomer was rescued as a pup in July 2018.

"They're very healthy sea lions," said zoo veterinarian Dr.  Kadie Anderson. "While they are much smaller than other sea lions their age due to their difficult first months, they are thriving now."

The pair are making their public debut this weekend.

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