The Buffalo Zoo is mourning the loss of one its popular sea lions. WBFO's Eileen Buckley reports the death came as a surprise to the Zoo.
A male California sea lion named Pocus died Monday at the age of 12.
"Pocus was just a real darling He was very eager to learn any new behavior, incredibly well-behaved," said Donna Fernandes, Zoo president.
Pocus was born in Orlando and came to Buffalo in 2005.
Fernandes said the sea lion did not exhibit any signs of being serious ill. He only went off diet for a couple of days before his death, but Fernandes says that's a common thing this time of year for male sea lions.
"Even though he hadn't eaten much in the last couple of days, he was behaving normally, swimming in his pool, so we were kind of surprised when he passed away," said Fernandes.
Preliminary necropsy reports indicate a bacterial infection caused his death. Tissue samples from lab testing will help determined the source.
"So we did take tissue samples, which we sent to a pathologist in Seattle, Washington, and they can see if it is concentrated in a particular organ that might give us some idea of what caused it as well as the form of bacteria," said Fernandes.
Now the zoo is left with just one other male sea lion -- Dallas.
"So we have to decide if we're going to stay with being a bull holding facility, which is more challenging because the two males don't get along when they are both mature," said Fernandes.
Pocus was a favorite at the Zoo. Fernandas said Pocus was a "wonderful" and "sweet" animal who loved to give out sea lion kisses
The Zoo says Pocus will be greatly missed by visitors and staff.