The silky black pup is the first sea lion ever born at the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.
The Wildlife Conservation Society announced Friday that the sea lion was born June 30. She weighed 15 pounds. She may grow to be 250 pounds.
"This is the first sea lion ever born at our aquarium, and we are very excited," said Jon Dohlin, director of the New York Aquarium. "She is very sweet, and we are sure she will become an instant Coney Island celebrity and a favorite among our guests."
The sea lion went on public view for the first time at the aquarium's Sea Cliffs exhibit on Friday. (SEE VIDEO) She can be seen playing with her mother, Clarice. Her dad, Kiani, resides at the Bronx Zoo.
Once visitors have a chance to introduce themselves to the new baby, they can learn about California sea lions and watch them entertain the crowd at the Aquatheater every day at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. California sea lions are abundant along coastal areas of western United States.
A name for the pup will be auctioned off at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Dinner by the Sea, held at WCS's New York Aquarium on September 22. This annual benefit supports the aquarium and its mission to educate visitors and protect local and global marine life.
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