Cute 'snuggling' baby sea lion born at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Wide-eyed California sea lion, Kai, celebrated his public debut at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium on Thursday.

Born on June 16, the new pup enjoys spending time with his mother, Keliah, and exploring the Kids Kingdom sea lion habitat.

“Kai has a wonderful bond with his mom,” said Alex Cauley, the zoo’s public relations and media manager.

Similar to humans, Kai will gradually learn how to swim. While not in the water quite yet, he enjoys snuggling with his mom and laying on the beach area.

“When Kai does go near the water, (his mom) makes sure he doesn’t fall in or try to get too adventurous,” Cauley said. “She will nudge him to make sure he remains safe.”

A zoo spokesperson said Kai’s name means “sea” in the Hawaiian language and also incorporates letters from his mother’s name.

The staff, the zoo said, monitored the pregnancy of his mother, Kelilah, and the birth. Kai will receive a more thorough examination once mother and son have bonded.

“The Pittsburgh Zoo’s Animal Care team was with Kelilah throughout her journey, and we are happy to say the end result is a happy and healthy sea lion pup,” said Henry Kacprzyk, curator of reptiles and the Kids Kingdom.

Kelilah, 10, was born at the Bronx Zoo and came to Pittsburgh in 2017. The zoo has six sea lions, including Kai’s father, Seahawk.

“Kai is out and we are thrilled to continue our family here at the Pittsburgh Zoo,” Cauley said.

The zoo celebrated its 125th anniversary with a baby boom, boasting two Western lowland gorillas, twin Amur leopard cubs, three nyala calves, some pot-bellied seahorses, and the newest addition, Kai.