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Photos: National Zoo welcomes first baby sea lion in 32 years

photo of a sea lion and her new pup — The National Zoo is welcoming a new arrival — the first sea lion pup born to the zoo in 32 years. The pup was born June 26 to 11-year-old mother Calli, her second child. This is the first child for the dad, an 8-year-old sea lion named Jetty. (Courtesy Jacqueline Conrad, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

photo of baby sea lion — Calli’s pregnancy was confirmed by a radiograph on April 20. The National Zoo announced her pregnancy May 31 on social media. (Courtesy Jacqueline Conrad, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

baby sea lion — National Zoo officials say animal care staff are “cautiously optimistic” that the pup will thrive and are allowing Calli to care for the unnamed pup without interference. So far the baby sea lion seems to be nursing, moving and vocalizing well, zoo officials say. (Courtesy Jacqueline Conrad, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

Photo of a sea lion with her pup — In order to give mom and baby time to bond, they’re being kept in an off-exhibit area until the mom’s behavior suggests she’s ready to introduce the pup to other members of the sea lion colony, zoo officials say. (Courtesy Jacqueline Conrad, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

Photo of sea lion — The extended mom-and-baby time also means it might be a while before keepers at the Nation al Zoo can determine the pup’s gender, zoo officials said. (Courtesy Jacqueline Conrad, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

Photo of a sea lion with her pup — When the time is right, this sea lion pup will join the other adult sea lions; however, the dad Jetty will be the last one to meet the pup. In the wild, males aren’t around during pupping and breeding season. In North America, sea lions are native to the West Coast. (Courtesy Jacqueline Conrad, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

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photo of a sea lion and her new pup

photo of baby sea lion

Photo of a sea lion with her pup

Photo of sea lion

Photo of a sea lion with her pup

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