ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s keepers have an exciting new addition to care for, with the arrival of a tiny California sea lion pup.
Born to first-time parents Bailey and Dominic on Thursday, 18 June, the two-week-old male, named Oscar is the first baby to arrive at the Zoo since dad Dominic was born in 2007.
After giving birth outside on the edge of the sea lion’s pool, Bailey has taken to motherhood swimmingly, and is already proving to be a doting mum to the incredibly lively pup.
Covered in a downy fur, Oscar will grow up to 7.5ft in length and is already showing similarities with dad Dominic - who was a notoriously cheeky pup – by demanding mum’s attention at all times.
Zookeeper Alex Pinnell is overjoyed at the new arrival and said: “The new pup is a great addition to the colony here at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and the European conservation breeding programme for this species, and it’s brilliant for us to see Bailey being such a good mum.
“We’ve named the pup Oscar, which we think suits his personality, and as ‘O’ is the 15th letter in the alphabet, we’ll always easily remember that he was born in 2015!
“A new infant is not only exciting for the zookeepers, but also for the other sea lions as it’s something brand new for them and they all love the new addition to their group. We’re staying hands off for now, to allow them all to get to know one another.”
Originating from the rocky coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, all along the west coast of the USA, California sea lions live in large colonies, led by a dominant male and his harem of female mates.
Perfectly adapted to life on land and underwater, California sea lions have smooth streamlined bodies, and strong flippers to power them through the water in pursuit of their prey. Able to rotate their rear flippers forward, the sea lions are able to move comfortably on land where they usually breed and give birth.
Visitors to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will be able to see Oscar and mum Bailey splashing around with the rest of the sea lion clan, dad Dominic and ‘aunt’ Lara.
Experience your favourite storybook brought to life this May half term as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Rod Campbell’s beloved classic.
Meet the real life animals, complete the activity trail, enjoy lively story-time sessions and explore the interactive Dear Zoo hub. Under 3s go free.
Adorable Asian elephant Elizabeth always has a knack for finding new toys - today's was a bamboo stick!
Our herd of Bactrian camels enjoyed a tasty breakfast bonanza this morning ahead of the launch of our Dear Zoo Trail this May half term.
Presented to them in a specially-designed replica of the book's iconic crate, the group were treated to some of their favourite foods to mark the 35th anniversary of the well-loved children's story.
Open up a world of wildlife with a ZSL membership, giving you unlimited access to both ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo! http://www.zsl.org/membership
Keep the kids entertained this May half term with our exciting Dear Zoo experience launching on May 27!
Marking 35 years since the publication of Rod Campbell's much-loved classic, kids of all ages are invited to step into the Dear Zoo story and embark on a trail through the Zoo collecting stamps, exploring the storytelling hub and meeting the real life animals from the book.
ZSL works in more than 50 countries around the globe to help ensure we continue to live in a world #WithWildlife.
On Endangered Species Day, find out how you can support ZSL and make a difference: https://www.zsl.org/support-us/withwildlife
Do your kids love the Dear Zoo storybook?
Enter our competition before 5pm today and be in with a chance of attending the VIP opening of our brand new Dear Zoo experience this May half term.
Don't tell us it's Monday already!
Did you know ZSL’s main project in Nepal is the conservation of the greater one-horned rhino?
Numbers of this critically-endangered rhino in Chitwan National Park have increased from a low of 100 in the late 1960's to at least 645 in 2015, thanks to the work of conservation organisation, including ZSL.
Learn more about our work in Nepal: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/asia/greater-one-horned-rhino-a...
Experience the magic of the Zoo after-hours with our amazing Sunset Safari event on 24 June.
Book before 14 May and get a 30% discount with our Early Bird tickets.