Como Zoo in Minnesota Announced Death of Beloved Animal

My heart just sunk as I read the latest news from Como Park Zoo. An animal that most of us in Minnesota have seen, been educated by, and loved has unfortunately passed away.

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Como Park Zoo Announces Death of Beloved Animal that Millions Have Adored

One of the saddest announcements that I've read lately was posted today on the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Facebook page. Their beloved "CC", who was born at Como Zoo 31 years ago, has passed away.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of a beloved member of our Como Zoo family: Sealia, better known as CC, Como’s oldest sea lion. CC passed away at the age of 31 on Saturday, April 16, 2022. The average life expectancy of a sea lion is 15-25 years. Millions of people, young and old, had been enthralled and educated by this California sea lion as she starred in the “Sparky Show” from 2002 up until her retirement in 2015. She was the sixth sea lion to take on the coveted Sparky role and the first female Sparky. She was a beloved ambassador of her species and will be deeply missed by all who knew and cared for her, including her fin-footed friends Subee, Poppy, Niko, Kash, Kilian, Stan, and Wally. - Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Facebook Page

The past few weeks, CC's health was starting to decline and according to the information shared on the Como Park Zoo website, she was no longer wanting to eat or even interested in training. I'm sure it was an extremely difficult decision to make but the team decided to humanely euthanize CC on Saturday. You can read more about "CC" and her amazing life that she had at Como at the Como Park Zoon and Conservatory website here.

“CC was very smart. She had her own preferences for trainers, fish, sleeping locations, and much more. She had her keepers wrapped around her flipper, who were always willing to cater to her wishes.” - Senior Zookeeper Allison Jungheim