Sea Lion Cove...backstage pass

It truly is good to know people in high places.  If you remember, last year we got a backstage pass to the zoo.  It was so much fun to learn about the animals, straight from the zoo keepers, and get a small idea of what is required to take care of the majestic animals.

Well...a few weeks ago, Kc was contacted by a friend of his whose wife is the lead mammal keeper.  He asked us if we would be interested in a behind the scenes tour of the new Sea Lion Cove.  Are you kidding me?!?  Of course!!!

We met Sarah, the lead mammal keeper, right outside the new exhibit and were ushered into the keeper building.  We were introduced to Sara, the lead sea lion keeper, who gave us our tour.  We got to see how the keepers keep an eye on the tank, both inside and outside, using video cameras.  Then, we were ushered into the kitchen where the sea lion's diets are closely monitored.  Finally, we were lead into one of the "off exhibit" holding tanks where the keepers can isolate and train the sea lions.  The keeper opened the gate leading from the exhibit tank and almost immediately all the sea lions, Pismo, Avila, and Catalina, came.

 

We got up close and personal with Pismo.  She is an amazingly beautiful sea lion who happens to be blind.

Sara had Pismo perform many tricks for us.  I think she is so much more well trained than our dog, Sierra.  I think I will have to get some training tips from the keepers.

How cute is this gal?!?

Sara asked Noah if he wanted to touch Pismo.  My little shy guy was so nervous that he quickly said no.  Too bad!

Although Noah was quite timid during the tour, as soon as we got back home, he talked all about the visit.  He was amazed at how big and loud the sea lions were. 

Thank you Mike, Sarah, and Sara for an amazing experience!