Wiltshire safari park celebrates arrival of sea lion pup

Keepers at a safari park in Wiltshire have been thrilled to welcome the arrival of a second Californian Sea Lion pup.

The new male pup was born on Sea Lion Beach at Longleat Safari Park in Warminster just days after his sibling and is the child of proud parents Belle, 11, and Memphis, six.

Although generations of sea lions have been born at Longleat since the species first arrived at the park in 1968, the newest arrival is particularly special to lead keeper Lauren Bow.

“It’s very exciting having two new pups here at Half Mile Pond," said Lauren.

"This is Belle’s second pup after having Baxter last year. Seeing her become a mum is particularly special to me."

New mum Belle with her two sea lion pups. (Image: Longleat Safari Park)

"Belle was the first pup to be born when I first started at Longleat, so seeing her go on to have her own pups is a special moment,” she added.

The new arrival can now be seen during the Jungle Cruise on Half Mile Pond, alongside his half-brother who was born just a few days earlier.

The two pups bring the total number of sea lions living at the Wiltshire estate to eight, although neither of the new arrivals has been named yet.