WELSH Mountain Zoo’s much-loved California sea lions will give their final demonstration this weekend.
The attraction is preparing to bid farewell to the playful marine mammals after decades of memories.
Monty, Cali and Sofia will carry out their last demonstration at the Colwyn Bay zoo on Sunday, September 6.
This will be ahead of their move to Colchester Zoo in early autumn, where they will benefit from a larger and more suitable habitat.
In a statement, the Welsh Mountain Zoo said: “After decades of memories, the time has come to say farewell to our much-loved California sea lions.
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“Sunday, September 6 will be their final demonstration at Welsh Mountain Zoo, and we’d love you to join us as we celebrate the memories they’ve created for generations of visitors.
“We’re currently putting the finishing touches to our plans for the day and will be sharing more details soon.”
The zoo added: “If our sea lions have been part of your family memories over the years, this is your chance to come and see them one more time.”
The zoo is expecting Sunday to be particularly busy and is encouraging visitors to book their admission in advance. Click here to book.
Visitors who book ahead can also save 15 per cent on admission, while zoo members go free.
The move marks the end of an era for the zoo’s much-loved sea lion enclosure; there are no plans to bring another group of sea lions to the site.
The animals have been a prominent feature at the zoo for nearly 60 years, ever since the first sea lions arrived there in 1967.
The enclosure is set to be repurposed, with the Humboldt penguins moving from their current enclosure into the space.
This, in turn, will allow the zoo to create more space for some of its other animals, including its otters and red pandas.
Chris Mitchell, CEO of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said in August: “What we understand about the needs of sea lions under human care changes and develops over time and we now understand that our animals can do better elsewhere.
“The Welsh Mountain Zoo is very strongly committed to animal welfare and getting the best welfare for the animals we have under our care.”
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