Feed our sea lions

There’s once again chance to get up close and personal with our popular Patagonian sea lions as an experience to feed them has returned to DZG.

ABOVE – Senior Keeper Neil Flockhart prepares to feed our male, Oba

The sea lion Close Encounter has just been brought back to our Castle Hill attraction after we welcomed four new arrivals this year.

Cleo, our 27-year-old female, got company at the end of March when 18-year-old female Deisy – the first foreign animal to be transferred to DZG via the Channel Tunnel – came from the South of France.

Just a few days later, the talented 14-year-old male, Oba (pictured right by member Samantha Weaver), arrived from the French Riviera.

Then, in October, two more females Marina, aged 19, and 18-year-old Tania translocated from Toulouse – the same place Deisy had come from.

Marketing Manager Andrea Hales said: “After welcoming four new sea lions this year, so going from one to five in a relatively short period, we are now able to offer this popular feeding experience once again.

“People taking part will learn lots about these interesting animals and get to feed them a bucket of fish.”

The experience gives people behind the scenes access to the sea lions and includes a Close Encounter certificate and admission to the zoo. The encounter is available at £95 for two people.

Close Encounters, last around 20 to 30 minutes and make a fantastic birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift.

When people purchase a Close Encounter experience, they make a vital contribution to DZG’s conservation work.

Andrea added: “These purchases actively support our vital conservation programmes and help pay for special animal treats, toys, bedding, health checks, food bills, heating and much more.”

And Oba, pictured above with Senior Keeper Neil Flockhart, can confirm there’s just four more sleeps until the big day. We’re getting excited now!

For more information on Close Encounters and other animal experiences call our Marketing team on 01384 215313