One possibly sleepy California sea lion misses out on treats on the other side of the enclosure at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
There is an old adage about snoozing and losing, and I think it applies equally well to animals. Visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo this past summer south of Siouxland in Omaha, NE, I happened into the zoo at the right time and found it was feeding time for some of the creatures. Zoo personnel were training and feeding their sea lion charges as well as entertaining those watching.
Visitors watch zoo personnel feed California sea lions at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
A California sea lion moves in to slightly nuzzle a ball held by zoo personnel at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
The seals approached and did some aquatic tricks before receiving their treat. Some tricks in water and others out of water. It was interesting in watching as the zoo people worked with the animals. It was also interesting to see the folk who were watching took a while before walking closer to watch along the railing allowing spectators fairly close proximity to see what what going on.
After performing a minor response to a zoo personnel a California sea lion is rewarded at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
But like ball players having a bad day on the diamond, as quick and agile as the sea lions are, they didn’t always manage on the first toss to capture their treat. But once in the water, they certainly acquired it on the second try.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
A near miss by a California sea lion of a snack at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Looks fun!!