Meet Our Newest Resident, Jester the California Sea Lion!

The Buffalo Zoo welcomes Jester the California Sea Lion.

Jester was born at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL in May of 2002. He was a part of the United States’ marine mammal Navy program until December of 2006, when was transferred to the Aquarium of Niagara.

In collaboration between the neighboring institutions, officials from the Aquarium and the Zoo arranged for Jester to be transported from Niagara Falls to Buffalo in December. The sea lion was accompanied by animal care and veterinary staff from both organizations during the short journey to his new home in Buffalo.

Jester seems to like his new home!

The Zoo’s sea lion keepers have already begun training Jester. “He has a sweet disposition, and loves to give kisses,” says sea lion keeper Melissa King.

Jester has joined Dallas, the Zoo’s 14-year-old male, in the Zoo’s Sea Lion Cove exhibit. While the two animals get to know each other, they will take turns in the exhibit.

Partnerships between zoos and aquariums at a regional level facilitate a shared commitment to excellence in animal care and husbandry,

The Zoo’s Sea Lion Cove exhibit is sponsored by NOCO.