A slew of sea lions will return to Georgia Aquarium next month with the opening of the Suntrust Pier 225 gallery.
The $40 million exhibit, which is set to open March 31, will include about 10 California sea lions. Trainers will interact with the social species of pinniped and educate guests about the dangers they face in the wild.
In March 2015, an unusually high number of sea lions pups were stranded on California beaches during an Unusual Mortality Event. Georgia Aquarium has provided a home for two of the rescued pups – Jupiter and Neptune – who will join four other rescued sea lions at the aquarium that were deemed non-releasable.
Georgia Aquarium is active in sea lion preservation and a portion of proceeds from the aquarium fosters this work. Georgia Aquarium experts have assisted The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif., after it experienced overwhelming numbers of stranded and malnourished pups throughout this past year’s UME.
Prior to the official opening of Pier 225, guests will be able to view ongoing training sessions and educational presentations with trainers and the sea lions in preparation for the new experience. For updates on when these opportunities will be available, follow Georgia Aquarium on Facebook and Twitter.
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