Voter-approved bond funds financed renewal of 35-year-old home to California sea lions, Pacific walruses, harbor seals, sea otters, tufted and horned puffins and common murres.
What does a 779-pound California sea lion do when he’s introduced to a completely renovated 220,000-gallon pool?
Why he swims fast and deep, hauls out of the water quickly when there are fish involved and barks loudly as sea lions are apt to do.
And when he bellies up to the underwater viewing windows? Well, it’s magical.
Chinook, a rescued California sea lion, is just one of the many residents in the newly renovated Rocky Shores habitat at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. He and some other animals have been behind-the-scenes while workers renewed their aging home. Now, it’s time for the Big Reveal, and a public Grand Opening is set for 11 a.m.on May 11.
