The El Paso Zoo's cherished California sea lion, Little Bit, or L.B., died due to declining health. He was 25.
The sea lion was one of the few military veteran animals in any zoo, and it could salute fans during demonstrations.
"For nearly two weeks, our dedicated zookeepers observed unusual behavior in L.B., including signs of discomfort and a severely diminished appetite. Despite the best efforts of our veterinary team, who provided oral medications and symptomatic care, L.B.’s condition continued to deteriorate," a city press release stated.
Sea lions typically live to around 23 years old, making L.B.'s 25 years a testament to the care provided by his keepers throughout his life.
An necropsy revealed a significant, fluid-filled mass the size of a cantaloupe on his right shoulder and neck, along with ulcers in his stomach. While the precise cause of death may be determined once histopathology results are finalized in about eight weeks, veterinarians suspect he may have suffered from heart or kidney disease — common in elderly sea lions but not consistently detectable.
“L.B. was more than just an animal in our care; he was a beloved member of our zoo family,” said El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens Director, Joe Montisano. “For years, L.B. participated in daily demonstrations, showcasing his unique talent. As the only military veteran animal in any zoo, he would perform a salute to the crowd, and we’d proudly salute him back. He was a gentle giant with a huge personality, and his absence will be deeply felt. Our thoughts are with his devoted care team and the entire community who loved him.”
About Little Bit, L.B. the sea lion
Born in 1998, L.B. spent three years as part of the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, SPARWA, where he was trained to assist in underwater detection, location and recovery missions. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, L.B. arrived at the El Paso Zoo in 2013, becoming one of the few military veteran animals in any zoo.
L.B. touched the lives of countless Zoo visitors during his years here, educating the public about the remarkable lives of sea lions and the threats they face in the wild. Each week, he delighted guests with his presentations, ending with his signature salute to the crowd.
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María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on Instagram , eptmariacg on TikTok
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Zoo's sea lion LB, known for saluting fans, dies at 25 after health decline
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