Photo by Mary Ellen Ostrander
On behalf of the sea lion keepers here at the Zoo, I would like to thank all of the families, docents and volunteers who have sent cards to us when Puff, one of our male sea lions, passed away.
Puff was a very big part of our Zoo; our staff adored him because of his gentle and playful ways. I personally appreciate the hours the visitors, docents and volunteers spent playing at the Rocky Coasts Gallery glass with him. Because of your time, he never feared people. He wanted to play with them – I watched as he played with the little princesses and princes during ZooBoo and when Santa and his “elves” visited him on one of the benches after Breakfast with Santa! I remember when a little girl in a wheelchair came to meet Puff behind-the-scenes when he was young. He should have been afraid, but he approached the young girl and let her pet and feed him. I knew Puff was something special after that moment and he proved it every day to all Zoo staff as well as to visitors.
I have all good memories with him and after talking to many of you, I know you do too. Thank you for being a caring community – it would be more difficult for us without your love and support for us and the animals. Thank you from all of us!
- Mary Ellen Ostrander, zoo keeper
Beautiful post, Mary Ellen. I will always remember my summer at the zoo when I got to narrate for Flounder and Puff during their demonstration. He is greatly missed.
Thank you for all the time you spent teaching people about our sea lions, and for commenting on this blog. I will miss Puff very much. He was one of a kind. I will never forget him.