MILWAUKEE, WI – Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show, sponsored by Anderson Seal LLC, at the Milwaukee County Zoo, is proud to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of its male California sea lions, Slick. It will mark this very special milestone by highlighting Slick in all of the Oceans of Fun shows taking place Memorial Day weekend, May 28th through May 30th.
“Slick is a true ambassador for marine mammals in the wild, and a real testament to the excellent life that zoos and aquariums can offer animals of all kinds,” says Shelley Ballmann, president of Oceans of Fun. “In the wild, life expectancy for California sea lions is 8-12 years, and we have about tripled that number for Slick, receiving a high level of care throughout his years, and living out his life at Oceans of Fun.”
Currently, Slick is in great health, participates in public shows at his leisure, sets his own schedule, and has the added advantage of being close to other younger marine mammals who are a part of the Oceans of Fun family.
“Slick has benefited from the Zoo and Oceans of Fun’s proactive veterinary care, as well as the excellent animal welfare, or treatment, he receives from our trainers on a daily basis,” continues Ballmann. As with any older animal, Slick’s eyesight may not be as good as it was 10 years ago, and he is slowing down, so our animal care staff have modified his training to ensure success and positive progression as he ages.”
Slick’s Golden Birthday will be recognized throughout the weekend, during all of the Oceans of Fun’s four daily shows (activities rotate through the weekend):
–Slick will demonstrate his painting skills as part of his enrichment program
(Enrichment allows animals to keep their minds active and healthy and demonstrate some of the same behaviors as they would in the wild.)
–Audiences will receive special “Slick Trading Cards,” featuring his “personal pinniped information” and facts about sea lions
–Audiences will sing Happy Birthday to Slick
–Special drawings will be offered for opportunities to win paintings by Slick and have photographs taken with him
–Visitors have the chance to make donations to conserve sea lions along the California coastline
“Slick has lived a long and fulfilling life at Oceans of Fun, and now it’s his time to enjoy “retirement;” he’s definitely earned it. As a V.I.P. in Milwaukee and an ambassador for marine mammals in the wild, he’s spent his life educating hundreds of thousands of guests on the importance of conserving all marine mammals,” comments Ballmann.
“Our mission is to instill a love of wildlife among our guests, teach them about marine mammals and their important conservation needs and inspire each person to make a difference in their daily lives to protect our world.”
Oceans of Fun and the Zoo invite visitors to join in this very special birthday, and to celebrate Slick as a very remarkable animal. Shows take place at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; cost is $2.50 per person.
For more information, please contact the Zoo’s Marketing and Communications Division at 414.256.5411.