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News - Two New Additions
New Arrivals...
10/07/11
Ocean Connections works collaboratively with fellow Zoos and Aquariums in establishing breeding loans to diversify genetics within populations and ensure success in future generations.
Our most recent collaboration unites the Chicago Zoological Society and Ocean Connections as two new california sea lions have recently joined our collection. Meet Abby and Sonoma our newest family members!
Abby is a 24 year old female california sea lion who will win your heart over in less than 30 seconds! This beautiful animal is highly inquisitive and was ready to meet her new pool mates and trainers immediately.
Abby never skipped a beat, entering her new environment she was immediately ready for a training session and plenty of love! She immediately greeted her new pool mates (through a fence line) and settled in enjoying the warm Wisconsin sunshine all afternoon.
If you've been around Ocean Connections for a few years, you may remember Sonoma! Born right here 11 years ago, we've brought this little lady home! Geneva spent a few years down at Riverbanks Zoo in North Carolina and two years ago made her way to the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. Unfortunately she has not bred yet and we're all hoping that we may improve the odds here in Milwaukee. As Sonoma has a tendency to be a bit nervous in new, unfamiliar surroundings, we all prepared and expected her to struggle a bit with this relocation. Wonderfully, we were all in for a delightful surprise! We certainly don't know if she remembers her "home" but showing absolutely No signs of stress, Sonoma is relaxed, playful and even snuggled into her old sleeping area to get a great first night of sleep back in Milwaukee. Trainers from both facilities are impressed and excited over her response to coming home!
The first step in acclimating animals into a new environment is to ensure their health and comfort. We want to ensure that all of our animals are healthy, eating well, engaging in sessions and getting a good night sleep. While Sonoma and Abby are provided visual access to their new pool mates, we won't actually formally introduce them for a couple of days to provide our new arrivals a chance to settle in. Currently there is plenty of greetings and nuzzling occurring through the fence lines as all of our animals introduce themselves. As part of our preparation, training staff's from both facilities (Ocean Connections and The Chicago Zoological Society) have spent considerable time working together both prior to arrival and currently to ensure that the animals acclimate smoothly into their new environment and routine. Wonderfully our initial goals are all being met as both Abby and Sonoma are doing beautifully!
