As the week has progressed, we have been able to dive into the depths of the wonderful ocean. We have learned about the different ocean zones, the animals, and the creatures that make up each one of them.
A highlight of today was getting to meet a lady who represents the Sea Lion Commissio. All of the kiddos and staff got to see how they harvest a sea lion and gather different parts of the sea lion to be tested back in the lab to make sure that they continue to reproduce and are healthy.
Before the first cut takes place, there are many steps that have to happen first. The sea lion has to be measured, whisker samples taken, and teeth samples have to be collected. After that is completed, the first cut takes place. Then they take the measurement of how much blubber is present . Then they work to collect samples of the liver and stomach to look at what was consumed.
This specific sea lion was a female, approximately 2 years old , and had several inches of blubber. When we looked at the contents of the stomach, needless to say there she did not get the best last meal. She only had one piece of bull kelp.
