After a good work-out, there's nothing like a relaxing shower—even if you're a sea lion! Zoe and Sierra enjoy a good hose down after a training session with Kathy. Even Leu, the Northern fur seal, gets in on the action. Ahhhh...
In all seriousness, the young sea lion and fur seal pups love to play around with the hose. It's not because they're thirsty, it's actually a form of enrichment. Sea lions get all the hydration they need from the fish they eat. So they are probably enjoying the feeling of the spray on their thick coats or tickling their throats. And who doesn't on a hot summer day!
During these steamy summer months, many families take the plunge to cool off in a community swimming pool, a pond or river, the ocean or even in a backyard kiddy pool. There's just nothing like splashing around in the water to cool off!
If you've seen them zip through the water, you know these gals are expert swimmers. Sea lions learn to swim when they're only a few weeks old, and they grow up to be among the fast marine mammals in the oceans today, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! They have to be speedy to stay one step ahead of predators in the wild.
While not all of us can swim as well as Zoe and Sierra, it's always refreshing to watch them make some waves. Come on down and marvel at the aquatic acrobats at the Aquarium. And as you're looking to cool off at the water's edge this summer, just keep in mind a few water safety tips:
Always make sure you swim with an adult or a buddy
Keep an eye on the weather
Swim only in safe areas, beware of waves and dangerous currents
How does Reggae help us cool down on a brutal summer day in Boston?
-Lindsay
Overheated? Think getting to know the harbor seals looks like fun? Here's how you can Take a Dip with the Seals! Immersed in water up to your waist, you'll be able to get up close to these curious, playful and intelligent animals. Who knows, you might get one of Reggae's water baths, too! If you're into that kind of thing, of course.
There's no question that summer has definitely arrived. Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s this weekend! Leu, our Northern fur seal pup, can always cool off in the pool during a romp with Sierra. But that's not his only trick to beat the heat. He loves a kiddie pool full of ice cubes, too!
Leu cools off in a pool of ice cubes. Photo: Boston.com
Not only do the ice cubes provide that desired cooling effect, the textures and crunch are a lot of fun! It's just another way to provide enrichment for this growing pup. Watch how he likes to grab an ice cube and take it into the water to play. You'll notice in the video that our more mature fur seals stay cool in the shallow end, grooming and lolling about in the water.
Take a cue from our fur seals and try to keep cool during the toasty weather expected this weekend. The City of Boston also recommends that people drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. While our fur seals don't need to drink fresh water—they get all the hydration they need
from the fish they eat—drinking water is an important part of staying healthy in the heat.
It's tough to work out on a 90-degree day. But if you have a nice big pool and an energetic friend, you can get plenty of exercise. Our new Northern fur seal pup, Leu, and Sierra the California sea lion show you how it's done. Watch them porpoise, tumble in the water, chase each other and generally have a great time.
