If you’ve visited Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance lately, or even been in our general vicinity, you may have noticed something was missing—the loud and energetic barks, growls and grunts of California sea lions. For years, they’ve been one of the most popular—and noisiest—animals on our 80-acre campus, delighting guests and members with their torpedo-like agility underwater and intelligence and BIG personalities ashore.
But since last September, their habitat in Northern Shores has gone quiet and our raft of sea lions—Nick, Maverick, Gunnison, Luci and Ady—have moved on to temporary homes at other facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums while we build them a new habitat in Northern Shores. When it opens next year, and the animals return, their home will include a new salt-water system, a new building with larger interior pools, a resurface and refresh of the outdoor pool and deck surfaces, and an upgraded underwater viewing area. In the meantime, take a look at the updates we received from a few of the sea lions from their temporary homes!
NICK
Greetings from Smithsonian National Zoo! If Northern Shores has seemed a little quiet lately, that’s because I’ve been HERE, singing the song of my people in in the Smithsonian’s sea lion pool! As a Californian living in Denver, I was worried about fitting in here in DC. But as it turns out, two of my roomies, Summer and Ronin, are from the Golden State, too—and we were all rescued as pups by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. While of course I miss my home at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, I’m getting along great with the Smithsonian locals…especially Eugene. He’s technically a pelican, but he’s my go-to guy when I’m not sunbathing or entertaining the ladies! He’s taught me some great fishing techniques that I can’t wait to share when I return.
LUCI & ADY
Hello! Ady here, checking in from Brookfield Zoo where my mom Luci and I are vacationing while our habitat is under renovation. People keep asking how we can stand to be away from my dad, Nick—but mom really seems to be enjoying her quiet time! I do miss my daddy-daughter snuggles, though, and can’t wait until the family is back together.
MAVERICK
Hey, Denver friends! I’ve been chillin’ in SLC at Hogle Zoo for the past few months, and it’s been amazing. There’s actually ANOTHER guy named Maverick here, and we are the bestest bros now and having a great time together. As much fun as I’m having in Utah, I’m also SUPER excited to see my Denver raft again, in our amazing new habitat.
As a non-profit wildlife conservation organization, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance relies on our community of guests, members and donors to help us stay on the cutting edge of habitat design. You can help welcome Nick, Maverick, Gunnison, Luci and Ady to an incredible new home by MAKING A DONATION of any amount!
