The newest arrival to the Denver Zoo’s Northern Shores exhibit is a handicapped male sea lion pup named Bismarck. He was rescued by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) on a pier in Newport Beach, California. Bismarck did not have back flippers and weighed just 24 lbs when he was found, less than 1/2 the weight of what a 6 – 8 mo. old sea lion should weigh.
Bismarck, handicapped California sea lion. Photo: Dave Parsons, Denver Zoo.
Bismarck survived alone in the vast Pacific Ocean without the use of rear flippers. The reason for his deformity is unknown, whether it was a defect at birth or if it was caused by an accident early in life. California sea lions typically use their front flippers to propel their bodies through the sea, and their rear flippers act as a rudder for steering. Bismarck compensates for his lack of rear flippers by using his whole back end for control and his front flippers have grown noticeably more muscular than the other four sea lions he lives with.
Thriving handicapped sea lion. Photo: Denver Zoo.
Bismarck arrived at the Denver Zoo by private chartered jet July 28th, ‘09. Since then he’s been kept away from view so that he can adjust to his new environment and his roommates. Dedicated staffers have nourished him with a special formula, exercised and played with him. Today he makes his public debut at a healthy, happy 132 lbs., well on his way to his full grown weight of 400-600 pounds.
“He is every bit as playful, inquisitive and acrobatic as our other 4 sea lions,” says zookeeper Jessica Jenkins. “Bismarck is a great example of overcoming a disability – something we’re very happy to talk about here at Denver Zoo. We’ve had a couple of children with disabilities who have connected with him after seeing how agile he is, despite his disability. I think he is inspiring and reminds all of us that we have great potential to overcome adversity.”
California sea lions swim at speeds of 25-30 miles per hour. Their nostrils and ears close when diving under water. When submerged for long periods (5-10 minutes) a sea lion will decrease its heart beat to reduce the amount of oxygen needed. The sea lions live along the coast and off-shore islands. They have been found up to 75 miles out in the ocean. They may also travel up rivers that feed into an ocean. They grow to be about 5 to 8 feet in length. In the wild they eat fish, octopus, squid, crab, clams and lobsters.
Visit Bismarck at the Denver Zoo Northern Shores exhibit where he’ll be playing water games or lounging in the sun with the harbor seals and other sea lions. Generally feeding time for the sea lions is at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm daily (weather and staff permitting).
For zoo hours, prices, and information go to: denverzoo.org or call (303) 376-4800.
