Omaha Zoo Names Sea Lion Pups

The Omaha Zoo in Nebraska is enjoying a sea lion baby boom.  In early June, two California sea lion pups were born at the zoo.

The Omaha Zoo needed names for these adorable bundles of joy, so they opened up a contest to zoo members to find the perfect names.

After much deliberation two names were chose.

The male pup has been named “Surf.”

The female pup has been named “Saki” – which in Japanese means hope.

Both names were suggested by kids who love visiting the Omaha Zoo.

Surf is growing strong and now weighs in at 25 pounds and Saki weighs 20 pounds.

While Omaha is a long ways from the Pacific Ocean were these California sea lions live in the wild, the adults and the pups are helping to raise awareness about the plight of sea lions and other marine animals on the California coast.

This past year, the California coastline saw an Unusual Mortality Event, or “UME”, where thousands of sea lion pups were either found dead, or orphaned, and starving.  Amazing rescue organizations, like SeaWorld San Diego, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, The Marine Mammal Center all worked over time to respond to this crisis.

While these pups will live happy and healthy lives at the Omaha Zoo, their presence will help inspire people to protect and preserve the wild populations that are challenged.

Source: ABC 8