Adelaide Zoo
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Happy Birthday – Australian Sea Lion reaches a quarter of a century

There was a flipping great celebration at Adelaide Zoo today as Australian Sea Lions, Ady and her companion Tasko, were treated to Blue Swimmer Crab, octopus, gigantic ice cubes and a new toy to mark her 25th birthday.

Arliah Hayward, Senior Keeper of Carnivores at Adelaide Zoo said: “It’s a massive milestone for Ady, which is short for Adelaide.

“It’s estimated sea lions live for 20 to 25 years but at 25 Ady is not showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, she is often seen chasing her male companion Tasko who is six years younger!

“Ady is a big personality. She is very headstrong and smart. She loves training and picks up new behaviours easily. She most definitely loves her food and will eat any time of the day, whereas Tasko doesn’t get his appetite until later in the day.

“She has been known to get hold of my gumboots and once threw them at Tasko. Another time, she wanted to keep me in the exhibit and put her flipper around my leg. She wanted me to stay and hang out – she was so gentle. She can be crafty though, when we train new keepers she makes them work a bit harder and refuses her fish just to keep them on their toes.

“Australian Sea Lions, found specifically in South and West Australia, are listed as endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated 10,000 remaining. You can help by visiting Adelaide Zoo and learning more about them but also make sure to support Sea Lion conservation parks such as the one in Kangaroo Island.

“Every time you go to the beach or out on boats please tie down your rubbish.  A gust of wind can send rubbish into the sea and waterways and this can harm Australian Sea Lions and other animals too,” finished Arliah.

To visit birthday girl Ady and companion Tasko and learn about  Australian Sea Lions in the wild, please head along to Adelaide Zoo. Tickets can be purchased online at www.adelaidezoo.com.au/tickets.

Zoos SA operates a COVID vaccination mandate and requests that all visitors aged 12 and over show proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Other conditions regarding animal experiences apply.