This is the first of a series of posts we want to share about our newest addition to the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center—Leu! This pip-squeak was rescued from a beach in California earlier this year. Since he could not have survived in the wild, he's found a new home with us. While he is getting settled behind the scenes, he continues to make progress or show us something new every day. We wanted to bring you in on the fun!
Like all little ones, and some cool grown ups, Leu loves to play. He tugs on the car wash strips hanging in the background and is initiating games of fetch with some of the toys in the picture. Can you guess what his favorite toys will be?
Leu is learning to take fish from his trainer's hand. Feeding this way helps us get a good look at him. Right now, he takes each fish to the water, eats it and pops back up on deck for another.
Kathy feeding Leu
Leu's a growing boy and learning every day. Stay tuned for more installments of What's New With Leu!
Hose enrichment is a big hit with many of our animals. If they are interested in the hose, they tend to glide through and present the area of their body where they want to be sprayed. Some prefer a high pressure massage around their neck and back while others like a mist over their whiskers.
We also give the seals a wide variety of toys. Many of these are dog toys because they are made to be durable and withstand sharp canine teeth. The green toy in the picture was actually made for horses. For our animals use, we fill it with squid ice cubes. The hole that you see on the top of the toy will dispense the delicious squid treats as the seal pushes it around.
Ice toys, or "