SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast celebrates International Day of the Seal

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is celebrating International Day of the Seal (22nd March) by unveiling its latest upgrades to Seal Island.

Seal Island is home to six seals, including Australian sea lions April and Teiko who have today been introduced to the husbandry exhibit followings the refurbishment.

The upgrades to the seal’s second exhibit – where the team provide the mammals with an enriching environment for exercise, training sessions and socialising – include a new roof, new theming and larger windows to provide increased stimulation for the seals and a new vantage point for guests for viewing. A new Seal Photo opportunity for guests will soon be available.

According to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Mammals Manager, Carla Haskell, the team is looking forward to utilising the husbandry exhibit to assist in future breeding programs.

Haskell notes “our plan for the future is to implement a breeding program for the endemic Australian sea lions, which are currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. April and Teiko are both female Australian sea lions here at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and our aim is to provide them with male counterparts to produce a sustainable future population for generations to come.”

A breeding program would help boost populations of Australian sea lions, which are currently under threat from habitat destruction, pollution, bycatch and more.

All visitors to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast must pre-book their tickets online in advance. Visit www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast for updates, tickets, opening hours and health and safety information.