Watch CBS News

Two Sea Lions Born At Six Flags Great Adventure In Ocean County

JACKSON, N.J., (CBS) -- Two female California sea lions were born at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, Ocean County, according to a news release.

Officials say Piper was born June 5 to mother Dichali. Piper shares a birthday with her father Kenobi.

"She has no qualms about sassing the trainers or her mother through vocalizations. She is exploring her independence at an early age," Jessica Peranteau, senior supervisor of animal training, said in the news release.

Officials say Ridley, born June 18 to mother Ella, is the smallest sea lion pup born at Six Flags Great Adventure, weighing in at 15 pounds.

 

Ridley 2
Ridley. (Photo credit: Six Flags Great Adventure)

-----

She is named after the endangered Ridley sea turtle species, because of her unique flipper movements, according to the news release. The pup tends to move her fore flippers side-to-side rather than up-and-down, which reminds her trainers of a sea turtle's walk.

Sea lion pups are not competent swimmers when born. According to Peranteau, Ridley's swimming proficiency makes her unique. "She finds sliding down the hill on our stage especially rewarding and fun," Peranteau added.

Piper and Ridley are expected to reach 110 to 220 pounds when full grown.

Guests can see the pups and their mothers at the park's SeaFari Theater in The Golden Kingdom section of the theme park.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.