Banham Zoo announces death of beloved 24-year-old Californian sea lion, Filippa

Banham Zoo, which is part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, has announced the death of its 24-year-old Californian sea lion today.

Filippa, part of the zoo’s Sea Lion Bay, came to the site in 2008, but its social media post said Filippa had been displaying signs of aging, in particular symptoms of arthritis.

In recent weeks her condition had begun to deteriorate, with the post saying ‘it became apparent during a veterinary examination that it was the right time to say goodbye’.

The post on Filippa said: “Our thoughts are with her keepers, who miss her greatly, and our wonderful visitors, who we know have a special soft spot for our sea lions.”

Following Filippa's death and that sea lions thrive in social environments, the site’s only remaining sea lion, called Gala, recently joined Woburn Safari Park with its two 20-year-old sea lions Kira and Leoni.

The decision, the zoo says, was made with Gala's long-term welfare in mind, as it ensures she was not left as a solitary animal – but this does now leave Banham without any sea lions on the site.

But the post ended by saying: “Our team are working hard behind-the-scenes for plans for the future of Sea Lion Bay, and we thank you for your support during this time.”