Featured Image Credit: Houston Zoo
Max, the 5-week-old male California sea lion was recently named by two of the zoo’s donors, Jim and Beverly Postl. The longtime Houston Zoo supporters won the honor of naming the pup at the zoo’s annual fundraising gala in April, Zoo Ball. Jim also serves on the zoo’s board of directors.
“I wanted my grandsons to call me Max. However, my wife and daughters thought I was out of my mind and nixed that,” said Jim.
Now, Jim can proudly call his favorite sea lion by this beloved moniker.
The pup has also begun his swim lessons behind-the-scenes. Unlike most marine mammals and just like otters, sea lions don’t swim when they are born, so they must be taught gradually by their mothers.
Max’s mother, Cali, has been cautiously allowing Max to play in ever-increasing depths of water under the careful supervision of his trainers. Currently, Max is swimming in about three feet of water. The trainers will continue to deepen the water in the pool for the pup and begin introductions to the other three California sea lions before Max makes his public debut about several weeks from now.
The Houston Zoo is an ambassador for the sustainable seafood Take Action initiative, so they hope that sea lions help guests understand that the choices they make can save animals in the wild. The zoo’s sea lions consume 23,850 pounds of responsibly caught, sustainable fish each year. By choosing sustainable seafood options, we can all help protect our oceans’ health.