California sea lions make splashy debut at the Minnesota Zoo

Welcome to Minnesota, Hudson and Flynn! Just in time for World Ocean Month, the Minnesota Zoo is excited to introduce a new species to Discovery Bay - California sea lions.

Hudson and Flynn, both male sea lion pups who will be turning one year old this month, arrived in Minnesota last week from SeaWorld San Antonio. The pups spent their first week acclimating to their new environment and will begin exploring their public-facing habitat today in Discovery Bay.

While they continue to adapt, they’ll have access to both their public and behind-the-scenes habitat. You may see this charismatic duo swimming and diving from the main level viewing area in Discovery Bay. Upper-level viewing will remain closed as the Zoo makes some updates in preparation for the arrival of additional sea lions.

Later this year, Hudson and Flynn will be joined by a group of adult male California sea lions. For size comparison, at about a year-old, Hudson and Flynn weigh just over 100 pounds, while full-sized adult males can be upwards of 700 pounds!

California sea lions are native to the shallow waters of the eastern North Pacific Ocean and can often be seen hauled out on marina docks, jetties, and buoys. The species is known for its playfulness, intelligence, and loud vocalizations that sound similar to barking dogs.

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