Oct
11
Astro the sea lion passes away
By - Oct 11, 2012
Posted in Sea Lions

We are deeply saddened to report that our four year-old male sea lion, Astro, passed away during the night. Astro had been fighting a severe gastroenteritis, an irritation and inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The cause of the condition is not known.  The results from tests on tissue samples will not be known for several weeks.

 

The Zoo’s sea lion and veterinary teams had been working very hard over the last few days to provide supportive care and therapy for Astro but, despite their best efforts that battle was lost last night.

Astro received the finest of husbandry and medical care. Our veterinary team consulted with the nation’s most highly regarded marine mammal veterinary specialists.

Astro came to us as an orphaned pup in 2009 following multiple strandings in California. Marine mammal rescue teams responding to one stranding report discovered Astro under a car in a parking lot near a beach.   He had a wound to his neck, possibly from becoming entangled in marine debris, possibly a carelessly discarded fishing net or fishing line.

Although he had a rough start, Astro had a great life here in Houston.

He received the best of care and had a rich social life interacting with his keepers, our guests, and our two young female sea lions, Kamia and Cali. Our veterinarians and our sea lion keepers report that Kamia and Cali are strong and healthy.

Astro is being remembered fondly by staff and guests alike for his friendly and spirited personality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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