Conservation Journal

Our data collection is well underway!  With 108 pups collected, assessed and released today so far we are gaining valuable information regarding pup growth rates and survivability.  One of our objectives is to recollect pups over multiple months and we have had great success!  The information we have gained will assist us in learning about life in the wild as well as within our collections.

In 2012 Oceans of Fun joined in a collaboration with the Chicago Zoological Society, Saint Louis Zoo, Kansas City Zoo and the Punta San Juan Project of the Center for Environmental Sustainability at Cayetano Heredia University to collect baseline data assisting in evaluating the South American sea lion and Peruvian fur seal populations in Punta San Juan.
This year we are expanding our research project to study pup growth and development with the goal of correlating and comparing data obtained in both wild and captive animals.

We have moved to the beaches with nurseries these last 2 days. The fur seals are giving birth right now and our focus is on collecting newborns 1-2 days old along with moms for health assessments.

The last two days have been busy and full of wildlife experiences. Everywhere we look we are surrounded by incredible beautiful animals and scenery.

The team arrives!  Over the last day, a team of 12 of us gathered together in Lima Peru and began preparations to head South to Punta San Juan.

One year ago I sat in a conference meeting room and listened intently as Rita Vondra of the Chicago Zoological Society presented on a research project currently underway and needing assisted funding in Punta San Juan.

Oceans of Fun has joined in partnership with the Chicago Zoological Society in studying the populations of South American sea lions and the endangered South American fur seals in the Punta San Juan (PSJ) Marine Protected Area.