Loro Parque has already named its new member: Ozzy is the name chosen for the recently born California sea lion. The name was selected through a public vote that gathered over 9,400 participants in a campaign open to the public via social media.
The initiative reinforces the commitment of the park to education, conservation, and civic participation, fostering the emotional bond between society and the animals living in this conservation centre.
A public vote with thousands of supporters
The name selection process was carried out in two phases, with a total participation of 9,424 votes. In the final phase, three options were put to a vote: Ozzy, Simón and Bruce. The clear winner was Ozzy, with 2,381 votes, accounting for 60% of the total.
The other proposals also garnered support, with 987 votes for Simón (25%) and 605 for Bruce (15%), but the result was decisive and reflects the engagement of the park’s supporters in the lives of its animals.
‘Ozzy’ with his mother. / ED
A complication-free birth with professional monitoring
The new specimen, a male weighing 9 kilograms at birth, is the offspring of Brisa, one of the California sea lion females residing at Loro Parque. The birth took place in a facility specially prepared for births, under the supervision of the veterinary team and specialized caregivers.
According to the president of the Loro Parque Group, Wolfgang Kiessling, “Brisa is performing exemplary as a mother, providing all the care that is needed”. The little one is in good health and his growth is being closely monitored.
Development phases and feeding
During his first months of life, Ozzy will be exclusively fed mother’s milk, rich in essential fats for his physical development and to generate the waterproof fur that these marine animals need. From around six months, fish will be gradually introduced into his diet.
Ozzy, an ambassador for marine conservation
The birth of Ozzy raises the number of sea lion pups born at Loro Parque to 26 since 1987. Although this species —the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)— is not endangered, it does face significant threats in its natural environment, such as overfishing, coastal pollution, and the impact of climate change.
From Loro Parque Fundación, the director Javier Almunia has emphasised the value of such births: “Each new specimen reinforces our scientific and educational work, helping to raise awareness about the issues facing these species in their ecosystems”.
