©Jennifer Rant
May 29, 2020
Meet Tacoma!
- as seen by -
Caitlin Bartlett
Tacoma is a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) that was rescued from the Bonneville Dam in Washington state. The Bonneville Dam is on the Columbia River where sea lions gather and feed on an endangered species of salmon. Because so many sea lions feed on these fish, the federal government stepped in to protect the species. Sea lions that are seen eating the salmon are relocated, but unfortunately, many return and are euthanized.
Federal officials branded Tacoma with the numbers “129” and relocated him. He returned to the dam and was scheduled for euthanasia until the Wildlife Conservation Society stepped in to adopt him. Tacoma came to us in 2016. He is now over 800 pounds and has become a beloved member of WCS’s New York Aquarium family.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to all the staff that care for the animals and keep WCS’s parks running. We are grateful for the work they do.
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