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Join Ocean Connections for our 2nd Annual Sea Lion Shuffle Stay Away 5K, with all proceeds benefitting sea lion care and conservation. Run, walk, hike, swim, bike, horseback ride, or rollerskate a 5K by yourself from anywhere to participate in this fun event!    Register at https://www.oceanconnections.org/events, then run, walk, hike, swim, bike, horseback ride, or rollerskate a 5K ! Your registration fee benefits sea lions AND includes a Sea Lion Shuffle 5K commemorative t-shirt print with the winning design from our T-Shirt Design Contest!    What's a Stay Away 5K? Watch this video from Ocean Connections president, Shelley Ballmann, showing you exactly how to do it: https://fb.watch/4kDKjDi5zq/   This is a remote 5K - you do not need to be local to participate! Run or walk wherever you live!    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! With our facility continuing to feel the impact of COVID-19, your donation through this event will help us make up for revenues that we would have otherwise generated from educational programming and fundraisers. Gifts through this virtual race will support our care and conservation of sea lions.   

Join Ocean Connections for our 2nd Annual Sea Lion Shuffle Stay Away 5K, with all proceeds benefitting sea lion care and conservation. Run, walk, hike, swim, bike, horseback ride, or rollerskate a 5K by yourself from anywhere to participate in this fun event!    Register at https://www.oceanconnections.org/events, then run, walk, hike, swim, bike, horseback ride, or rollerskate a 5K ! Your registration fee contributes to the exceptional care of our seals and sea lions by assisting Ocean Connections in acquiring updated medical equipment. You'll also receive a Sea Lion Shuffle 5K commemorative t-shirt print with the winning design from our T-Shirt Design Contest!    What's a Stay Away 5K? Watch this video from Ocean Connections president, Shelley Ballmann, showing you exactly how to do it: https://fb.watch/4kDKjDi5zq/   This is a remote 5K - you do not need to be local to participate! Run or walk wherever you live!    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! With our facility continuing to feel the impact of COVID-19, your donation through this event will help us make up for revenues that we would have otherwise generated from educational programming and fundraisers. Gifts through this virtual race will support our care and conservation of sea lions. 

Please join us for an Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup on Thursday August 19th, 5:30pm to 7:00pm at South Shore Park Beach. Trash bags are provided, but please consider bringing a bucket or plastic bag from home to reduce the event's environmental footprint. Please bring gloves if you have them.

Marine Mammal Resources International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA): www.imata.org Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA): www.ammpa.org American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA): www.aza.org Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA): www.theabma.org European Assocciation for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM): www.eaam.org International Association For Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAMA): www.iaama.org.au Society of Marine Mammology: www.marinemammalscience.org Seal Conservation Society: www.pinnipeds.org ADF&G Wildlife Notebook Series: www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/notehome.php GeoZoo: www.geozoo.org Pacific Marine Mammal Center: www.pacificmmc.org Conservation Organizations Marine Mammal Center: www.marinemammalcenter.org/ Ocean Conservancy: www.oceanconservancy.org Ocean Conservation Society: www.oceanconservation.org Polar Bear International: www.polarbearsinternational.org Partnerships    

Wondering what's happening at Ocean Connections? We will now be bringing you all of our latest events through our Current News page! Check it out here! November Newsletter 2014: View Want to keep up on what's new at Ocean Connections? Read all about our specials, program highlights, featured animals, conservation tips, and how you can sponsor a seal or sea lion in our Quarterly Newsletter. To receive our latest newsletter and program specials, be sure to subscribe to our Fan Club!     Newsletter Archive November 2014 March 2014

Meet Bowie! At approximately one month of age, Bowie was found severely malnourished and dehydrated on an east coast beach.  He was immediately taken to the New York Marine Rescue Center where the veterinary and animal care team worked diligently to help him regain his strength in hopes of returning him to the wild.  During multiple medical assessments, it was discovered that Bowie has microphthalmia or under-developed eyes which resulted in him being completely blind in his right eye and partially blind in his left eye.  Sadly, Bowie would not be able to hunt or avoid predators with this condition and was deemed non-releasable.    Ocean Connections has been offered the opportunity to provide Bowie a second chance at life. We just need your help!  Transporting and caring for a Grey Seal is no easy feat!  You can assist Bowie in getting his forever home this holiday season in the following ways:     Donate On Our Website  PayPal  Purchase Bowie Merch  Venmo: @OceanConnections  Start a Fundraiser on Tiltify  Commission a Painting     Bowie thanks you in advance for your support! 

Please join us for an Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup on Thursday September from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at South Shore Park. Trash bags are provided, but please consider bringing a bucket or plastic bag from home to reduce the event's environmental footprint. Please bring gloves if you have them.

Milwaukee News Update   After over three decades of providing educational seal and sea lion programming which both entertains and inspires zoo patrons, Ocean Connections will be leaving the Milwaukee County Zoo.  This decision has been made after several months of careful consideration and conversations.  Our existing pool in Milwaukee is 38 years old and is in need of restoration to remain operational and meet the welfare standards which are essential in housing marine mammals. The Milwaukee County Zoo has decided not to allocate funds to these renovations and will instead be retiring our facility at the close of 2023.    Ocean Connections was founded in Milwaukee, WI and is the only facility in the state to house California sea lions. “Providing forever homes to seals and sea lions, including rescued, non-releasable animals which touch the heart and teach the minds of our guests has allowed us to introduce thousands of children to the world of marine mammals, inspiring empathy and stewardship for our natural world. It is with great sadness that we now lose such an instrumental community reach.” said Ocean Connections President and CEO, Shelley Ballmann. “Our commitment to the community will remain strong as we plan to continue school outreach and community programs within the Greater Milwaukee area as well as within our sister parks in Hersheypark, PA, Pigeon Forge, TN and Myrtle Beach, SC. “     The Ocean Connections animals remain our highest priority. Our animals will all be relocated this winter within our sister facilities.  We ask that you greet this news with understanding and give our team grace as we prepare to say goodbye to our location within the zoo. We will continue to offer daily programs through December 3, 2023, so be sure to come and see your flippered friends. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all so much for the love over the years and we look forward to your continued support.        

Ocean Connections is bringing our Marine Mammal Summer Camp to Hershey this August. Each day includes opportunities to learn about and interact with our seals and sea lions on top of exploring ZooAmerica. Learn more or register today by clicking here. Questions? Contact us at education@oceanconnections.org.

  We recently celebrated National Children’s Craft Day with this sea lion puppet craft! If you want to make your own, download the template below.   Download our Puppet Template!

Thank you for submitting your application! Your application and resume have been submitted successfully and we will review them soon. Please remember that you must submit Two Professional Letters of Recommendation for full consideration. These letters must be sent directly to Ocean Connections in a signed, sealed envelope or emailed directly to the Intern/Volunteer Coordinator. Please send all application materials to: Ocean Connections Attn: Intern/Volunteer Coordinator 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226 For questions or more information please contact our Intern/Volunteer Coordinator directly by clicking here.  

Thank you for submitting your application! Your application and resume have been submitted successfully and we will review them soon. Please remember that you must submit Two Professional Letters of Recommendation for full consideration. If you are pursuing college credit, you must also submit a letter from your Sponsoring Professor verifying your eligibility to receive college credit. These letters must be sent directly to Ocean Connections in a signed, sealed envelope or emailed directly to the Intern/Volunteer Coordinator.  Please send all application materials to: Ocean Connections Attn: Intern/Volunteer Coordinator 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226 For questions or more information please contact our Intern/Volunteer Coordinator directly by clicking here.  

Want to keep up with what's new at Ocean Connections? Read all about our specials, program highlights, featured animals, conservation tips, and how you can sponsor a seal or sea lion by joining our fanclub! We will keep you up to date on your favorite animals as well as current events. No need to worry, we consider your email address private and it will never land on anyone else’s doorstep. Join the Ocean Connections FANCLUB to learn more about the seals and sea lions at Ocean Connections, receive promotions, and notifications about specials we're running. Join Now! * required Email Address: * First Name: Last Name: Enter the letters shown above:* hex_chars=Array('0','1','2','3','4','5','6','7','8','9','a','b','c','d','e','f');hash='';hash_length=20;for(h=0;h

Scooter turns 30! Help us celebrate Scooter’s 30th Birthday by donating to his care to receive an exclusive, limited run sticker or keychain! These items can be picked up at the Hersheypark Aquatheatre around showtimes May 15th - 17th.  At this time, only stickers are available for shipping.    Click Here to Contribute

Meet Ayla! Female, Juvenile Average weight is 150 pounds Born on June 20, 2000 Daughter of Makaia Learned to swim at 2 weeks of age Ayla is now seven years old this year! Born to Makaia in the summer of 2000, she is affectionate and delightful. Ayla began her formal training at one year of age after weaning from her mother onto a diet of fish. She has a lot of energy and is always ready to learn new behaviors in her training sessions. At 7 years of age, playfulness and being mischievous are a constant past time. Our staff can often be spotted laughing as we watch her silly play of leaping, rolling and engaging in chase games under water with her friends. Ayla especially enjoys playing with water hoses that her trainers spray into the water...she rolls in the stream and enjoys the feeling of the spray along her body and flippers (much like we would with a whirlpool jet). It is not uncommon for Ayla to steal the show and entertain the audience with her adorable antics! Be sure to stop and enjoy this adorable little lady!

Meet Geneva! Sub adult female Born on June 29, 1999 Daughter to Makaia Swam at 2 weeks of age Currently weighs approximately 200 lbs. Geneva was born at Ocean Connections late in the day on June 29th, 1999. She was the first pup born to Makaia (third generation at Ocean Connections). Geneva weighed in at 11 pounds when born and immediately had a feisty personality. Geneva was very playful and a welcome addition to our family! She was cared for by both her mother and grandmother (Sport) as a pup. Her formal training began at 9 months of age when she weaned from her mother and began eating fish. Today Geneva, is all grown up and knows over 75 behaviors that delight our guests. She has a very distinct vocal and zoo patrons can definitely pick her out of the crowd! Geneva travels to HersheyPark during the summers with her brother Diego to educate and entertain guests in Hershey, Pennslyvania. No matter which location she is in, Geneva's voice and energy cannot be mistaken, she enjoys training, performing and touching the hearts of our guests!

1981-2011 With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Sport in early November 2011. At 30 years of age, Sport was a founder animal within our organization. She joined our team in 1990 and over the past 21 years has been an ambassador for marine mammal conservation in Wisconsin, educating and entertaining thousands of children and adults alike. She has mothered 4 pups of her own and was the grandmother to five! Sport passed away due to old age and will be missed by her trainers and fans. We are sad to see her go but so thankful for all that she has shared with us. We dedicate our lives to ensuring the highest quality of care for the animals we are fortunate enough to work with. The most difficult element for all of us is having to say goodbye. It never gets easier and always breaks our hearts. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share your memories, positive thoughts and love. Your support and wonderful words mean more than you could possibly know and have helped our team tremendously - thank you!    

Meet Slick! Dominant male Average weight is approximately 650 pounds Born in May of 1986 Has been performing at Ocean Connections since 1992 Slick, our dominate male sea lion is a favorite for trainers to work with. He is always anxious to learn new behaviors and is the ham of the group. He is currently 26 years old. Male sea lion weights fluctuate according to the season. During the summer months Slick is usually a very trim 450 pounds however as winter approaches his weight increases quickly. By February he often tops the scale at close to 700 pounds. Full grown Slick is an impressive 9 feet in length. Being the dominant male, Slick controls the mood of the entire colony of sea lions at Ocean Connections. Fortunately Slick is even tempered, patient and very gentle with all of his pool mates. Slick can often be seen interacting with the public for presentations and is a favorite in our interactive programs. Slick’s favorite pastimes include getting back rubs from his trainers and spending time with his female companions Makaia and Abby.

General Information Scientific Name: Zalophus californanus Order: Pinnipedia Life Span: Zoological environment 25 - 35 years, wild 10 - 15 years Diet: Males consume 30 - 45 pounds of fish daily while females typically consume 15-25 pounds. Diets consist of a variety of fish and invertebrates including capelin, squid, herring, mackerel, smelt and sardines. Size: Males weigh up to 800 pounds at full maturity and average 8-9 feet in length. Females weigh considerably less at approximately 250 pounds, averaging 6 feet in length. Fun Facts Sea lions can hold their breath 15 - 20 minutes. Sea lions can reach speeds up to 22 mph. A female sea lion's gestation period is 12 months, including a 3 month delayed implantation. During this time the fertilized egg is free-floating and not attached to the uterine wall. Pups nurse for 6 - 12 months. California sea lions can be found as far north as British Columbia, along the coast of California and as far south as Mexico. Sea lions are capable of diving to depths of up to 1100 feet. In the winged-footed family also known as pinnipeds, there are true seals and eared seals. The eared seals are what we know as sea lions and fur seals. These pinnipeds have a few characteristics that make them different from the true seals. Eared seals have external ears, large front flippers which are used to propel their bodies through the water reaching speeds between 20 and 25 miles per hour, and they possess a rotating hip bone allowing them to walk on land using all four flippers. Today there are 17 known species of sea lions and fur seals. The most common type of sea lion seen in zoos and aquariums is the California sea lion. Within the species of California Sea lion there are 3 sub-species. They are Z. c. californianus, Z. c. wollebaeki, and Z. c. japonicus. The species of fur seals differ from sea lions in that they have longer flippers and a thicker coat of fur. Distribution: California sea lions are naturally found all along the coast of California as far north as British Columbia and as far south down into Mexico. Habitat: California sea lions spend time both on land and in the ocean waves. While swimming they forage for their food, play and socialize. They breed mainly on offshore islands, ranging from southern California’s Channel Islands south into Mexico. There is also a distinct population of California sea lions at the Galapagos Islands. Behavior: California sea lions are playful, noisy, social animals. They often rest closely packed together at favored “haul-out” sites on land or float together on the ocean’s surface in “rafts”. Sea lion pups are very playful and can often be seen surfing the waves, leaping and porpoising through the water. Family Life: California sea lion pups are typically born during the warm summer months. Females give birth to a single pup following a 12- month gestation period typically in June or July. Females give birth on land as pups do not know how to swim at birth. Gestation includes a period of delayed implantation, when the fertilized egg stops growing and remains dormant for a period of 2 1/2 - 3 months. Delayed implantation allows pups to be born when environmental conditions are optimal for their survival. Pups typically weigh about 15 pounds at birth and nurse for 6-9 months. Until the pups know how to swim, mothers leave them on the shore while they return to the sea to feed. Pups have very individual calls which allow their mothers to locate them amongst numerous other pups once she returns to the shore. Sea lion milk is high in fat content allowing pups to gain weight quickly. Pups naturally learn to swim within the first few weeks of life by playing with other juveniles along the beach. Adult females usually mate and give birth every year. Sea lions may live 25-35 years in a zoological environment.  Conservation Status:  All marine mammals including sea lions and seals are protected under the ked congress to allow federal authorities to relocate California sea lions that are preying on endangered fiMarine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which was passed in 1972 by the United States to protect these animals from hunting and harassment. A few years prior to the passing of the MMPA, Mexico and Canada also banned the hunting of these animals. Although this act is in place, there are many dangers at sea and on land that marine mammals face. Pollutants, commercial fishing, and drift nets are just a few reasons why it is difficult for these animals to survive. The National Marine Fisheries Service has assh species, or a threat to safety, property and commercial fishing. Many species are listed as endangered and some are extinct. The Japanese sea lion is one species that has not been reported on in more than 30 years and is listed as extinct. Humans are one of the largest threats to these animals and their environments. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve these animals and the environments in which they live. One of the easiest ways that we can help is to recycle and dispose of trash and hazardous material properly. In doing this we will help reduce the amount of debris that flows into the oceans and washes up onto shorelines to create a safe and healthy environment for these animals to survive for future generations. The California sea lion population is stable, which means that it is not currently at risk for extinction. The world population is estimated at 200,000 animals. For further information Seal Conservation Society: www.pinnipeds.org ADF&G Wildlife Notebook Series: www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/notehome.php GeoZoo: www.geozoo.org Riedman, Marianne. The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. Berkley: University of California Press, 1990.

Meet Makaia! Adult female Average weight is approximately 200 pounds Born at Ocean Connections on June 28th, 1993 Daughter of Sport Mothered five pups (Ayla, Geneva, Diego, Sequoia and Colby) Makaia is the princess of the group. She was the first sea lion born at Ocean Connections in 1993 and is a very special animal. She is very energetic and curious. Always eager to meet the public, Makaia thrives on attention! She enjoys performing and is a favorite during our daily public presentations and interactive programs. She is currently 19 years old and has mothered five pups. Makaia welcomed Colby, her fifth pup this past summer. She is a great mother always looking after Colby, teaching him to swim and explore in his new home. As one of our veterans, Makaia helps to keep all of the youngsters in line and can often be seen sunning herself poolside with a couple of juveniles curled up along her side.

Meet Bodega! Male, sub-adult Average weight is approximately 450 pounds Son of Sport Bodega was born at Ocean Connections in June of 1996 and began his formal training at one year of age. He is very eager and is currently learning many new behaviors for our upcoming season. Through his years of training he has acquired over 65 behaviors in his repertoire. Bodega spent his 1992 summer vacation at Long Marine Laboratory which is located at the University of Santa Cruz. He was transported there in order to participate in a research project which is currently studying the metabolic rates of California Sea lions and spent the summer breeding with three females. He returned to us in the fall a hefty, healthy 400 lb six year old! It is very common for sub-adult males to develop their crest and mature quickly when give the opportunity to play the role of dominant male within a population.....and Bodega obviously enjoyed this role. He is very playful and delights in figuring out and playing with new enrichment and toys which are provided by our training staff regularly. Today Bodega's favorite activities include playing and chasing the pups Ayla, Geneva and Diego around the pool, as well as, sneaking up on our new volunteers with a loud, sudden bark as if to say "Gotcha!".

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  Ocean Connections, Inc. Phone: 262-303-4444 Ocean Connections is a registered 501(c)3, non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world's ocean through education.  With locations in Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee, we provide interactive and educational experiences to connect guests with wildlife and nature.  Have additional questions? Email us at education@oceanconnections.org.    

Ocean Connections is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education.  Located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we provide the animal ambassador portion of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show as well as an interactive and educational Animal Encounter.  Our “touch the heart, teach the mind” philosophy comes to life as you immerse yourself into the beautiful world of wildlife and nature.  After learning about animal training, participants will have the chance to put themselves in the shoes of our animal care team to ask one of our sea lions to show off some of the behaviors they’ve learned and feed their new flippered friend a fish. You’ll be able to see the mesmerizing macaws up close before they soar in the show. Discover how their brightly colored feathers, long tails, and unique feet help them survive in their natural environment. The Ocean Connections Education Team will even highlight how you can use our positive reinforcement training at home when you meet one of our dock-diving dogs. Don't miss out on this ultimate escapade!  In partnership with Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Ocean Connections Myrtle Beach promises an unforgettable journey filled with thrills, feasts, and furry, flippered, and feathered friends.  The show schedule varies but our Animal Encounter is offered daily.  While show tickets are not required to participate in the Animal Encounter, we highly recommend purchasing both to maximize your experience. Learn more or purchase tickets by clicking here.