Zoo contest: Name that sea lion

Henry Doorly Zoo introduced its newest resident to the public this morning, and she needs a name.

A contest is on to find the perfect name for the baby California sea lion, only two weeks old.

Today, she didn't put on much of a show from her perch on a rock in the center of the sea lion exhibit, but that didn't stop photographers or excited children from watching her.

“It was time for her to meet Omaha,” said zoo director Dennis Pate.

Visitors to the sea lion area at the time of her birth would have noticed the water was mostly gone from the exhibit and it looked more like a beach. Sea lions usually are born on a beach, Pate said, and they don't know how to swim right away. The water had to be drained until her mother, Alice, could teach her to swim.

Pate said the keepers had to make one rescue as the baby learned to swim, but since then she has been fine.

Zoo visitors are invited to participate in the naming contest. The official entry box is next to the sea lions' pool, and is the only place name submissions will be accepted until July 19.

The pup's winning name will be announced on July 28. The person who comes up with the winning name will receive a prize. The winner also will get the chance to interact with the sea lions alongside a zoo keeper during a training session. If more than one person comes up with the winning name, a drawing will determine the prize winner.

The zoo now has six sea lions, five females and one male. The baby will weigh between 200 and 250 pounds when fully grown.

Pate said the new pup will remain at the zoo for quite a while, but may eventually be used in a trade for another male.