The Fort Wayne Zoo reopened Coastal Cove on Friday, introducing the public to two familiar sea lions – and a new seal.
Could you tell the difference between a sea lion and a seal on the beach? For Fort Wayne Zoo executive director Rick Schuiteman he noticed that many people visiting the sea lions in Fort Wayne couldn’t.
“We need to educate the public on the difference between a seal and a sea lion," he said. "And I said the best way to do that is let’s get some harbor seals in here.”
Four years later, Coastal Cove reopened as the zoo’s first shared habitat space between California sea lions and harbor seals. The sea lions, Cassandra and Valkyrie, have returned to the zoo after spending some time at the Indianapolis Zoo while their habitat was under construction.
Joining them now is Ronan, a harbor seal. Ronan can be differentiated by his dark spots and slightly smaller shape.
The large pool habitat allows guests to see the pinnipeds above and below the water as they swim the length of the 88,000-gallon space, as well as a wide window view onto a beach spot for them to sunbathe.
