Last week, the Aquarium of the Pacific welcomed two new members to its growing seal and sea lion family, introducing juvenile sea lions Harpo and Milo as the exhibit’s fourth and fifth inhabitants. The exhibit also includes three harbor seals, and is widely considered one of the best research-based seal and sea lion exhibits on the West Coast.
Harpo and Milo, both nearly two years old, were introduced to their new surroundings one at a time, and both were hesitant but curious upon entering the exhibit. Upon diving in, th newcomers were met head-on by five-year-old Parker and three-year-old Odin – a 95% blind sea lion introduced to the exhibit just last year – who began the hazing process of wrestling and chasing the freshmen.
Parker chases Harpo around the exhibit’s outer edge, barking all the way.
The rough but playful animals energetically played as 27-year-old Miller – the Aquarium’s oldest animal – watched from the sidelines and generally tried to avoid the commotion.
Aquarium officials expect the infusion of new, young inhabitants to greatly increase the energy level in the exhibit, making visits more enjoyable for the public and helping to further research being done by the aquarium to learn about seal lion interaction and behavior.
The group danced beneath the surface immediately upon the arrival of Harpo and Milo.
Officials predict that the next few weeks will be very exciting, as the animals continue to familiarize themselves with each other and their surroundings. The aquarium is open daily from 9am-6pm.
One of the aquarium’s five sea lions leaps skyward into the morning air.
Parker finds time to pose for the cameras with a wave.
Newcomer Harpo greets Odin, who is nearly completely blind.