Romulo, Remo, Omar, and Franco, were tired but healthy after their 86-hour trip from the International Sea Lion Search and Rescue facility in Koh Samui, Thailand, where they have lived for the last two years. Although a little nervous about their new surroundings, they seemed pleased at the opportunity to dive into their specially constructed pool at the rear of Coral World and take their first swim in the Virgin Islands.

Coral World personnel accompanied by staff from the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, met the sea lions at Cyril E. King Airport in the late afternoon. Jeff Foster, Director of Special Projects at Coral World, and Dr. Ted Hammond, a marine mammal veterinarian and founder of International Sea Lion Search and Rescue, accompanied the animals on their long journey. Mr. Foster stated, "Despite the long hours in their crates first on a truck from Koh Samui to Bangkok, and then on airplanes, the animals came through with flying colors."

Although these sea lions are not native to the Virgin Islands, they are completely adjusted to the climate and water temperatures in the Virgin Islands because of the time they spent in Thailand. Caribbean monk seals, the closest relatives to the sea lions that once inhabited local waters, have been considered extinct for over 50 years. General Manager Trudie Prior observed, "Most people in the Virgin Islands have never seen a seal or sea lion up close. The new sea lion encounter at Coral World presents a wonderful opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience the intelligence and amazing agility of these animals."

Male South American Sea Lions can weigh up to 700 pounds and have deep brown fur on their backs with a lighter brown color on their chests. They are much mellower than the more commonly known California sea lion, according to Coral World Vice President of Operations, Peter Noah. Mr. Noah said, "In contrast to California sea lions, the South American sea lion is much more comfortable working around humans. I really love the way they roar like a lion rather than bark like the California sea lion."

Romulo, Remo, Omar, and Franco originally came from Uruguay where Dr. Hammond selected them from among a group of forty sea lion pups culled by the Government of Uruguay. South American sea lions were under threat in Uruguay as local fishermen called for a cull of their numbers. The fishermen argued that the fur seals and sea lions were destroying their nets and stealing their catch. Under pressure from conservation groups, the Government of Uruguay has now ceased culling of sea lions.

Dr. Hammond transported these four sea lions to Thailand where he began their training for search and rescue missions. They also learned many comical and amusing behaviors, which are part of the environmental enrichment the sea lions need now that they no longer are occupied with survival activities. This training will continue at Coral World and sometime in May or June Coral World will begin to invite small groups of visitors to interact with the sea lions. During an educational briefing, participants will learn about various topics including sea lion habitat, feeding habits, predation, reproductive biology, threats to longevity, and conservation. Following the orientation, participants will have an opportunity to see a demonstration of behaviors by the sea lions and then swim with them.

The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources - Division of Fish and Wildlife granted Coral World the necessary permits to import the four sea lions because the animals were being maintained in a substandard facility that was about to close. Both agencies also recognized the potential for education and research that these animals present for the Virgin Islands. According to Jeff Foster, "National Marine Fisheries Service is especially excited about the prospect of establishing a marine mammal stranding center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. NMFS understands that we have to be able to justify the cost of constructing such a facility. The sea lions are an essential first step to support Coral World's participation."