Seeing sealions before your very eyes

The sealions at Whipsnade Zoo are busy putting the finishing touches to Sealion Splash Live! which returns just in time for Easter.

Dom, Bailey, Lara, Kyra and Salt will be demonstrating their aquatic skills and balancing prowess in their newly revamped pool, giving visitors a unique chance to see them from the sidelines and learn more about them as they demonstrate their natural behaviour.

Senior keeper, Alex Pinnell, said: “The sealions are back into the swing of things after their relaxing holiday at London Zoo while their pool was refurbished.

“Training has been going really well and we can’t wait to get started. Sealion Splash Live! is really good opportunity for visitors to get up close to the sealions and learn more about them and we’ve been working hard to make sure the shows are the best they can be.

“They’re livelier and there’s a good chance of getting soaked if you stand too near to the front!”

Californian sealions are known for their intelligence and playfulness and the five of them will be putting this to good use when their show returns on Saturday (March 31). Sealion Splash Live! takes place three times a day at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.