Lonely sea lion given new lease of life
By CLAIRE BATES
1st May 2007
Daily Mail
After Carus the sea lion (named after a Roman emperor) lost his partner of 15 years he was left feeling sad and lonely. Fortunately his sanctuary has found him a new companion - the feisty Boadicea (named after the British warrior, Queen of the Iceni, who fought the Roman Empire).
The pair were introduced a few days ago and are now firm friends: "Carus and Boadicea are getting on very well," Rachael Vine from the National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall said.
"Feeding time is still a little bit tense for Carus as he was used to getting most of the fish when he was with his last partner. Boadicea is more boisterous and forward at getting the fish!"
Carus and Boadicea play together
Carus, 20, was with a sea lion called Serendipity for 15 years. When she died in March 2006, the Sanctuary put out an appeal for a female sea lion to replace his lost partner.
"Carus was very down for the first three months after his companion died. He still had his appetite but his eyes were sad," Rachael said.
Fortunately a companion was found for the gentle giant at Dudley Zoo - 17-year-old Boadecia. "She is a very pretty and pushy sea lion," Rachael said.
First date
Boadicea was introduced to Carus gradually so as not to alarm him. She was first placed in an escape area for 12 hours with a fence separating her from the main pool.
"They sniffed each other and there was lots of barking and snorting," Rachael said.
The gate was brought down after Carus was distracted by an unexpected fish treat. When he returned to the pool his new companion was waiting for him.
"Carus was surprised to see another sea lion in his enclosure. There was a lot of barking and nose touching. He was pretty put out when she nicked one of his fish and sulked for 10 minutes," Rachael said.
"After that they got on very well. They play together and roll around a lot. He is very proud of her. He sits on the side and watches her swim."
Although the two sea lions will go through the motions of mating they are too old to conceive a pup. Boadicea will be put on the pill just in case during breeding.
The pair are cared for by five animal carers who also look after 16 sea lions and seals and 16 rescued seal pups.
In the wild Carus would have had a harem of females. For now though, he seems very happy with his special companion.
The National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall relies heavily on charity donations. For more information visit www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/corn1.html
dailymail.co.uk
By CLAIRE BATES
1st May 2007
Daily Mail
After Carus the sea lion (named after a Roman emperor) lost his partner of 15 years he was left feeling sad and lonely. Fortunately his sanctuary has found him a new companion - the feisty Boadicea (named after the British warrior, Queen of the Iceni, who fought the Roman Empire).
The pair were introduced a few days ago and are now firm friends: "Carus and Boadicea are getting on very well," Rachael Vine from the National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall said.
"Feeding time is still a little bit tense for Carus as he was used to getting most of the fish when he was with his last partner. Boadicea is more boisterous and forward at getting the fish!"
Carus and Boadicea play together
Carus, 20, was with a sea lion called Serendipity for 15 years. When she died in March 2006, the Sanctuary put out an appeal for a female sea lion to replace his lost partner.
"Carus was very down for the first three months after his companion died. He still had his appetite but his eyes were sad," Rachael said.
Fortunately a companion was found for the gentle giant at Dudley Zoo - 17-year-old Boadecia. "She is a very pretty and pushy sea lion," Rachael said.
First date
Boadicea was introduced to Carus gradually so as not to alarm him. She was first placed in an escape area for 12 hours with a fence separating her from the main pool.
"They sniffed each other and there was lots of barking and snorting," Rachael said.
The gate was brought down after Carus was distracted by an unexpected fish treat. When he returned to the pool his new companion was waiting for him.
"Carus was surprised to see another sea lion in his enclosure. There was a lot of barking and nose touching. He was pretty put out when she nicked one of his fish and sulked for 10 minutes," Rachael said.
"After that they got on very well. They play together and roll around a lot. He is very proud of her. He sits on the side and watches her swim."
Although the two sea lions will go through the motions of mating they are too old to conceive a pup. Boadicea will be put on the pill just in case during breeding.
The pair are cared for by five animal carers who also look after 16 sea lions and seals and 16 rescued seal pups.
In the wild Carus would have had a harem of females. For now though, he seems very happy with his special companion.
The National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall relies heavily on charity donations. For more information visit www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/corn1.html
dailymail.co.uk