THE UNIVERSE IS GOOD.✌🏻 I'm so fortunate to be a part of this experience, AND get to hang out with sea lions. ........... Last summer Lucy was abandoned by her mother on the beaches of California.😢 At a month old she was left emaciated and dehydrated. That's when a team of rescuers brought her to their facility to care for her until she could be placed in a permanent home, knowing she'd never survive in the wild on her own. About a month and a half ago she was sent to the Long Island Aquarium, where she spent the first 37 days in quarantine (30 days is mandatory). This allowed her to get acclimated and familiar with her new trainers, as building those relationships is essential. Two weeks ago Lucy was brought out to the main pool, where she was gradually introduced to her new home and roommates. Last week I watched a very timid, shy, and anxious Lucy muster up the courage to make her first dive into a pool with another sea lion, Bunker (also a female). IT WAS THE CUTEST DAMN THING I'VE EVER SEEN!!!! And in one week she has made so much progress! She's now free to roam the exhibit with the other 3 sea lions and her personality has blossomed. She is playful and curious. She loves to snuggle (or try to) with her new friends. She's learning basic training techniques, which will be very beneficial when she needs to receive veterinary care. And damn, can that girl sleep!😪 We still have more observations to do, but I'm blown away by the differences that I've seen in just one week.😄 ........... #cspec #wildliferesearch #wildlifebiology #wildlife #nature #animalrescue #actuallivingscientist #sealionsofinstagram #sealion #pinniped #research #animals #natgeo #adventure #kisses #picoftheday #science #biology #research #education #earth #knowledge #life #womeninscience #rescue #saveanimals #compassion #crueltyfree #wildlifelovers #earthfocus #wildlifeplanet #natgeohub #natgeowildlife #marinelife #recycle #sustainability #environment #eco #savetheplanet #womeninstem #stem #tothegirls #womensupportingwomen #tattooed #inked #inkedgirls #instagood #tattoolove #magik (at Long Island, NY) https://www.instagram.com/p/By4EIlrHRKc/?igshid=188mgevtel6pd
