Beloved Sea Lion Chino Leaves Enduring Legacy At Omaha Zoo
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of Chino, a beloved 20-year-old California sea lion, who passed away on Saturday due to complications from an intestinal mesenteric root torsion. This event marks the end of a remarkable chapter for both the sea lion community and the visitors who came to adore him over the years.
Chino's journey began in 2003 when he was found tangled in a fisherman’s net off the Pacific coast at just two years old. The scars from his harrowing experience made rehabilitation impractical, leaving him unable to return to the wild. He found a new home at a zoo before settling at the Omaha location in 2010. Despite the challenges of his youth, Chino flourished into a remarkable marine ambassador.
During his time at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, Chino became a parent to eight pups, including current residents Nova, Elvira, and Fluke. His enthusiastic personality, combined with his impressive 600-pound stature, made him a favorite among zoo guests and staff alike. 
"There was everything to like and nothing to dislike about Chino," said Christine DuPre, supervisor of great apes and sea lions at the zoo. Her sentiments capture the essence of Chino’s impact on the zoo community. Known for his ability to perform over 30 trained behaviors, he demonstrated important lessons in conservation, including a particularly endearing act where he would retrieve a water bottle and drop it into a recycling bucket, teaching guests about the importance of recycling in engaging and memorable ways.
The unexpected nature of Chino's decline left the zoo staff heartbroken. He exhibited symptoms only two days before his passing, demonstrating a rapid deterioration in health that confounded the expert animal care teams. His loss resonates deeply within the zoo, which emphasized his role in sparking conversations around ocean conservation and wildlife protection.
As Chino’s story comes to a close, he leaves behind a legacy of hope and resilience. His life serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of human activity on marine life and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. "Chino was deeply loved by the entire zoo community, and he will be remembered forever," the zoo expressed in a heartfelt statement.
As we reflect on Chino’s life, we invite our readers to share their experiences and memories of visiting him at the zoo. What made Chino resonate with you? Your thoughts and feelings are welcome in the comments below as we celebrate the life of this extraordinary sea lion.