Ron the Sea Lion Pup Is Now on Public View at the Aquarium

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

Earlier this summer the New England Aquarium shared the exciting news that one of their California sea lions, five-year-old Tipper, had given birth to the crown prince of sea lions, Ron. The little guy is now eight weeks old, and after spending his early days behind the scenes, he’s finally ready to meet the public. He’s on public view full time in the Marine Mammal Center at the Aquarium, so you can catch a glimpse of him romping around with the other sea lions.

Ron does not yet take part in the regular sea lion program that you may have witnessed at past visits. But he does watch closely as his mom and the other sea lions show off their tricks. He doesn’t eat fish yet, either, though Tipper is currently ingesting 25 pounds of fish a day, twice the rate of the other sea lions, in order to feed him. He weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 pounds—staffers aren’t quite sure of his exact weight because he does not like to hold still on a scale to be weighed. Ron is very busy, you see. Someday, though, he’ll weigh somewhere between 700 to 800 pounds, but not until he’s closer to 7 to 10 years old. In the meantime, Ron enjoys many fine activities in his pool/kingdom.

For instance, like a good son, he always has time to say hello to his mother Tipper.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

But don’t worry, he is a friend to all sea lions, though sometimes he seems self-conscious that they are so much bigger than him.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

In moments of doubt, he can be found in close consultation with his friend Zoe.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

He likes to swim, but feels it is important to give the water a good sniff before diving back in.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

As a growing pup, napping is also vitally important to Ron.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

Occasionally, Ron gets a little too rambunctious on his rocks, and falls right into the water.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

But he’s a very determined young fellow, and he always climbs back up, possibly with a squeak or two to let the rock know he doesn’t appreciate how tricky it’s being.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld

These activities (and more!) can all be seen at the Aquarium now. Don’t miss your chance to say hi to Ron, a proud, noble sea lion who is also ridiculously cute. Just look at him! That is clearly a prince among sea lions.

Photo by Lisa Weidenfeld