The endless fight to aid wildlife

The only sea lion at Edinburgh Zoo is to move to Poland, it was announced yesterday.

Sofus, the Patagonian sea lion, is to leave Scotland after the death of the zoo’s female Miranda.

After the six-year-old’s departure, the sea lion enclosure will be shut down.

Sofus is to go to Lodz Zoo in February, where he will join two female sea lions, Kasia and Dolly and it is hoped he will father pups.

Darren McGarry, Head of Animals at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “It is with a mixture of emotions that we’d like to announce that Sofus, will move to Lodz Zoo in Poland at the beginning of February.

“Miranda our female sea lion passed away a couple of months ago, so we’re delighted to be able to have found him a new home with two other females of breeding age, Kasia and Dolly.

“He will be much happier with companions and will hopefully father pups in the future.”

The existing sea lion enclosure will be turned into a new home for the zoo’s colony of Northern Rockhopper penguins.

Mr McGarry added: “Our existing sea lion enclosure is also a very old construction that has come to the end of its lifespan.

“To create a modern facility is estimated to cost in the region of £1 million.

“The old enclosure is now all set to be transformed into a new home for our existing colony of Northern Rockhopper penguins.

“Our 19 birds will shortly be joined by 11 new ones from Vienna which will provide an influx of differing genetics.

“Facing a risk of extinction in the wild, we’re hoping new additions to the Rock-hopper colony, and a new enclosure tailored to their needs, will be the boost our Northern Rockhoppers need to start breeding successfully.”