ZooBlog

Kiani is rescued from California, where attempts to return him to the wild failed three times. His rescue became part of the Georgia Aquarium's 4R Program. 

In Georgia, four rescued sea lions settled well in the new environment, but the pool was deemed not big enough when there are more rescued sea lions joining the group, so decision was made to transfer Kiani to the Bronx Zoo on a breeding loan.

After arriving at the Bronx Zoo, Kiani is greeted by Cleo and Indy. The three sea lions are now swimming along in the new renovated Astor Court pool. Kiani is also gaining weight since his arrival. As seen in the pictures, Kiani is developing a prominent sagittal crest (look at his forehead). Like many other male sea lions, Kiani needs to vocalize to identify each other and defend his territories.

Because Kiani is on a breeding loan from the Georgia Aquarium, if he successfully breeds with Cleo, or Indy eventually, Georgia will receive his first offspring and then every other one. Yet, because of the aquarium's recent announcement of the new dolphin exhibit, it is unknown whether his first offspring Katy will be transferred.

Identification: Kiani is the largest sea lion at the Bronx Zoo.

Kiani at the Bronx Zoo: