Californian sea lion born at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a male Californian sea lion pup, born to its mother Seanna last Tuesday morning.

The pup weighs just 3kg.

Like all Californian sea lions, he was born on land without the ability to swim, but his mother introduced him to the water on his second day of life and he has since become a confident swimmer.

Team leader Eddie O’Brien said the zoo was “thrilled” with the birth of the pup.

“I’m delighted to say that Mum and pup are doing very well,” he said. “Sea lions’ milk is so rich in nutrients and fat that our new arrival will grow very quickly.”

The pup will share his habitat with his mother, three-year-old sister Flo and another female sea lion called Cassie.