HOUSTON --Dino the California sea lion made his official debut at the Houston Zoo Thursday.

HOUSTON ZOO

Dino plants a big wet kiss on a FedEx manager.

Tipping the scales at nearly 600 pounds, Dino made a transpacific flight from Hawaii to Houston on board a FedEx jet in late May. He was accompanied by Houston Zoo sea lion keepers and a Houston Zoo veterinarian. 

“FedEx personnel gave him star treatment every step of the way. He had a great flight,” said Houston Zoo curator Beth Schaefer. 

Dino planted a big kiss on the cheek of FedEx manager Lisa Akers Thursday, as if to thank the carrier for the great care he received on his flight from Honolulu to his new home in Houston.

“... It was our pleasure to deliver Dino from Hawaii,” said Akers. “Thank you for letting us be a part of this special delivery."

Since his arrival at the Zoo’s McGovern Mammal Marina, Dino has been settling into his new home, getting to know his keepers, enjoying swimming in the pool and getting to know Cali and Kamia, the Zoo’s 4-year-old female sea lions. “Dino is such a big friendly sea lion and has such a great personality.  He acclimated quickly to his new home, his environment and his new friends,” said Schafer. 

At the Zoo, Dino will be a training mentor and companion for Cali and Kamia.

Playful and inquisitive, California sea lions are found up and down the western coast of North America, from Mexico to the beaches of Vancouver, British Colombia. Sea lions have called the Houston Zoo home since the 1950s. 

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo welcomes 1.6 million guests annually.  Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. 

The Houston Zoo is located at 1513 North MacGregor. It is open daily during Daylight Saving Time from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 6 p.m. 

Regular admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, $6 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2.