CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Brookfield Zoo is welcoming two new residents that were in need of a home.
The zoo announced Tuesday that they took in two, approximately 2-year-old female, orphaned California sea lions.
The National Marine Fisheries Service reach out to Chicago Zoological Society to see if Brookfield Zoo could be that new home, and the zoo agreed.
According to the zoo, staff named one of the sea lions Carolyn, after the FedEx agent who assisted in making the travel arrangements. The second sea lion was named Sabiena, in honor of a Chicago FedEx worker, who is also the company's top volunteer in the community.
“It is unfortunate that Carolyn and Sabiena had such a rough start in life, which is why we are honored to be able to assist National Marine Fisheries Service in providing a good home for both of them,” said Rita Stacey, marine mammal curator for CZS. “We are extremely grateful to FedEx for providing the transportation of the sea lions to Chicago. This minimized the travel time, which greatly benefits the animals’ transition to their new home.”
According to the zoo, the sea lions may eventually be introduced to teh zoo's other pinnipeds that included four male California sea lions, ranging from 2 months to 18 years old; four female California sea lions ranging in age from 2 to 29 years old; a male gray seal; and two female gray seals.