A California sea lion named "Fishbone" died Wednesday afternoon during a medical procedure at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Attempts to revive the sea lion were unsuccessful.
Her death comes just two weeks after the death of her sister "Grits," who had been in declining health. Grits was euthanized on March 30 after she failed to respond to medical treatments.
“We share this heartbreak with our animal care professionals who cared for these sea lions every day, for the past 17 years. We thank them for their outstanding work” said Jim Anderson, Executive Director.
According to a press release, the two sea lions had been a vital part of the zoo's exhibits for 17 years. They were born at Sea World, and then came to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in October 2002.
According to the zoo, California sea lions typically have a life span of nearly 20 years.
