The Peoria Zoo has said a sad farewell to its last California sea lion.
Rosa the sea lion came to the Peoria Zoo 30 years ago when the exhibit opened. She was 31 years-old when she died Sunday, August 9th. The median life expectancy for captive female sea lions is a little more than 22 years.
Yvonne Strode is the Director of the Peoria Zoo. She says she was one of the first keepers work with the sea lions when they arrived. Strode says Rosa will be remembered for her incredibly intelligence and for her sense of humor, fooling people into thinking she was confused.
The Zoo is revisiting its master plan in October and is considering adding African Penguins.