Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Aquarium of Niagara announces the passing of a rescued California sea lion. Mia had been in declining health over the past month says the aquarium's president.
"The Aquarium of Niagara has centered its identity on providing high-quality, long-term care for even the most vulnerable animals," said Chad Fifer, president and CEO. "When you visit the Aquarium, you’ll encounter other non-releasable animals like Mia whose lives have been impacted by human activity – things like boat strikes, wildlife trafficking, and owner surrenders. These animals often require special accommodations and husbandry practices, and we are not only proud of our commitment to their wellbeing, but also our efforts to share their stories to drive conservation action for their counterparts in the wild."
Fifer says Mia experienced a four-week period of declining health, during which the Aquarium’s veterinarians, in cooperation with the zoological staff, performed extensive diagnostic testing, monitoring, and treatments.
The team made the extremely difficult decision to humanely euthanize Mia after comprehensive results from a CT scan, along with blood analysis, revealed that she was experiencing kidney failure. He says while he cannot know Mia’s exact age because she was rescued as an adult, the Aquarium estimates Mia was, at least, 15 years old at the time of her death.
The median life span for male and female California sea lions is between 8-12 years in the wild and 23-24 years in managed care.
Mia’s gentle and laid-back nature made her a favorite of guests and staff alike. She could often be seen sitting on the bottom of her exhibit, simply relaxing in the current, or spending her time in the tunnel under the stage.
Mia made tremendous progress with her training over the years and was a regular participant in her own care and husbandry, as well as the Aquarium’s daily sea lion presentations, the "Trainer for a Day program", public encounters, and even painting sessions.
"As animal care professionals, we are extremely proud to have given the highest level of care to Mia for the past nine-and-a-half years," said Hallie Torre, associate curator, marine mammals and birds. "I have been working with Mia since the day she joined our Aquarium family, and I’ve watched her grow and develop alongside countless animal care specialists whose lives and careers have been shaped by their work with this incredible animal. Mia brought joy to many, and she will be greatly missed."
In celebration of Mia’s life, the Aquarium invites the public to share their photos and memories via the Aquarium’s social media channels.