Its a boy! Watch the beauty of birth as a California Sea Lion pup is born at the Utica Zoo.

“We’ve had sea lion births here before, but it never stops being exciting for any of us.” said Beth Ricci, Area Lead Keeper and Primary sea lion trainer.

The newest addition was born at 8:30pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 in the sea lion’s indoor den to parents, Munchkin and Porter. The public won't be able to see the pup just yet. “Unlike seals, sea lions can't swim when they’re born. They actually are taught by their moms," explains Pearl Yusuf, Director of Animal Operations. “So we’ll need to keep mom and pup out of the pool until we’re sure the pup is strong. But that should just be a matter of a few days."

Munchkin is 18 years old and has been at the Utica zoo since 1999. Porter is 14 years old and came to Utica Zoo in 2011 from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Utica Zoo will announce when the pup will be on display.

Utica Zoo
Utica Zoo
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