CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium announced the arrival of two new California sea lions on Thursday.
One of the sea lions is a 3-year-old named Charger, who was sired by one of the Shedd’s rescued sea lions. The second addition is Charger’s own offspring: A 3-month-old pup who was born at the Smithsonian National Zoo.
The pup is the youngest sea lion in the aquarium’s history, officials said. The Shedd shared photos of its arrival, as well as other images of its earliest days at the Smithsonian Zoo. We sifted through the most adorable photos and videos and compiled them below.
Photo credit Roshan Patel/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The sea lion pup came to Shedd at this age because he was rejected by his mom, which resulted in him needing to be hand-reared for the best chance at survival, officials said.
Photo credit Roshan Patel/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Shedd's animal care team will provide hands-on care for the pup.
Sea lion pup arrives at the Shedd Aquarium.
Charger's arrival at the Shedd Aquarium.
Photo credit Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
The 3-month-old pup exploring its new digs at the Shedd Aquarium.
Photo credit Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
The pup is nearly 30 pounds, Shedd Aquarium officials said.
