The zoo’s new sea lion pup now has a name: Owen.

Keepers chose the name to celebrate the natural range of California sea lions, which extends all the way to Washington’s coast, and to honor the zoo’s own backyard: Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park.

Since his birth on June 1, Owen has already shown an adventurous spirit. Under the close watch of his animal care team, he’s begun giving himself “swimming lessons,” confidently figuring out how to safely get in and out of his behind-the-scenes pool. While California sea lion pups typically begin by exploring water just a few inches deep, Owen was eager to dive right in and is already swimming with confidence.

Owen is the second California sea lion pup ever born in Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s 121-year history and the second pup for parents Eloise and Boomer. He continues to nurse, grow, vocalize, and explore while bonding with his mother behind the scenes.

Guests can expect to see Owen make his public debut in the sea lion habitat later this summer.

Owen’s birth is part of a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals in accredited zoos and aquariums.