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National City Sea Lion Show and Arena

Sea Lion Show5_sm.jpg: Sea lions on stage
Sea Lion Show6_sm.jpg: Sea Lion Show stage area
Sea Lion Show7_sm.jpg: Sea Lion Show stage area
sealionshow02_sm.jpg: Sea Lion Show
sealionshow03_sm.jpg: Sea Lion Show

The Saint Louis Zoo's popular Sea Lion Show has a new look and a new life, thanks to a recent gift of $500,000 from National City. The National City Sea Lion Arena has been transformed into a colorful San Francisco Bay fishing village, complete with a charming clapboard backdrop and a wharf of rope-bound piers. Vintage fishing nets, life preservers, kerosene lanterns, oars, skiff, and colorful floats of glass, cork and wood are part of the scene.

Visitors arrive at a new arena entrance, with shady arbor, landscaping, gift kiosk, banners and signage.

On with the Show

Sea lion superstars Alex, Roby and Bennie, along with Elaine and Rosie, show off their natural abilities with front flipper walks, balancing acts, hurdle jumps in the water, Frisbee throws and lots of splashing! They also pass along an important conservation message when they recycle objects that may clutter up our oceans.

Each sea lion has its own personality and special skills. Besides some amazing feats, there are some close-up moments and a lot of fun.

Show Hours and Admission

Saturdays and Sundays only May 3-18, 2008
Show times:
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Daily starting May 24, 2008
Show times:
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Additional show at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays

Saturdays and Sundays only from September 6 - October 26, 2008
Show times:
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Admission is $3.00. Children under two are free. The Arena is located on the east end of the Zoo between the Primate House and Big Cat Country in Historic Hill.