Move over, African lion cubs. There are two new lions on the block at the Buffalo Zoo, but these ladies prefer the water to the sunny plain.
Jesse and Pokey, two 60-pound females, are now settling in with 800-pound Dallas at Sea Lion Cove.
The new arrivals were rescued along the California coast in March and June of last year. At the time, they were showing signs of malnourishment and weighed less than 50 pounds. Each were believed to be about one-year old. They were likely orphaned by their mothers due to a lack of food near their on-shore colonies, wildlife experts believe.
“They have gained weight since their arrival, get along well with our male sea lion after a careful introductory process, and during the course of their introductions to the habitat, have already offered us the opportunity to educate the public about some of the environmental conditions impacting the species,” said Zoo President Dr. Donna Fernandes.
Jesse and Pokey are now on display daily.
