Welcome Kenney and Banana
Utah’s Hogle Zoo welcomes two male sea lions to Rocky Shores
Fin-tastic news from Rocky Shores! Two male California sea lions, 3-year-old Kenney and 7-year-old Banana (buh-nah-na), are making a splash in their new habitat at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.
Kenney joins Hogle Zoo from Shedd Aquarium, and Banana arrives from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which fosters a dynamic group setting with resident sea lion Maverick.
Meet Kenney
Kenney is a young sea lion with a very curious and playful personality. He enjoys ice enrichment and treats, often playing and interacting with it in his habitat. Kenney is the smallest of the three sea lions.
Meet Banana
Banana is described as an intelligent sea lion, who’s motivated by learning and complex enrichment that challenges him to problem solve. He enjoys working closely with his trainers, often seeking opportunities for interaction and participation. Slightly smaller than Maverick but larger than Kenney, Banana falls right in the middle of the trio.
Becoming pinni-pals
Following their standard quarantine period, the boys were thoughtfully introduced to their new surroundings are in the early stages of being introduced to their habitat mates, including sea lion Maverick and harbor seals Mira and Nika.
As these introductions continue, natural social behaviors such as vocalizing, swimming around one another, or nipping may be seen as the sea lions communicate and establish hierarchy and relationships. These are expected behaviors, and animal care teams are closely monitoring all interactions to ensure the wellbeing of each individual.
Positive signs the team looks for during this process include the sea lions becoming more comfortable in the space, spending time resting on land, and beginning to establish preferred areas within the habitat.
During this transition, guests may notice additional animal care staff in the habitat and temporary training tools in use. One of these tools, called a baffle board, acts as a quick, movable barrier that helps provide space between keepers and sea lions when needed. As Kenney and Banana continue their training and get used to their new environment, care routines, and each other, these tools help support safe and positive interactions for both animals and staff.
About California sea lions
California sea lions are found along the west coast of North America. With streamlined bodies, large front flippers to propel their bodies forward, and rotatable rear flippers that function like a rudder, sea lions have unique adaptations to help them move on land and in the water. When diving, California sea lions slow their heart rates, which allows them to remain underwater for nearly 10 minutes before surfacing for air. Their long whiskers act like antennae, helping them sense the movements of fish and predators underwater.
You can now visit Kenney and Banana, alongside habitat-mates Maverick, Mira, and Nika in Rocky Shores.
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