Keepers welcome South American fur seals, Pablo and Toro, to Banham Zoo

A pair of South American fur seals are settling into their new surroundings at Banham Zoo.

Brothers Pablo and Toro arrived at the Norfolk visitor attraction from Bristol Zoo earlier this month.

The newcomers mark an exciting addition to the zoo, following the departure of one of its Californian sea lions and the death of another in December.

Animal manager Deborah Harris said the two had wasted no time in winning over staff.

“We are delighted to welcome Toro and Pablo to Banham Zoo,” she said.

“They arrived with one of their Bristol keepers accompanying them to help settle them into their new environment.

“Their individual characters are starting to show, and they have already stolen the hearts of keepers and visitors alike.”

“Poaching, environmental contaminants and commercial fishing are all threats to the wild south American fur seal population, and so we are proud to have them at the zoo, and to be raising awareness of the dangers they face in the wild.”

South American fur seals are named due to the thick layers of fur which help them maintain their body temperatures in cold sea water.

The Sea Lion Bay enclosure at the zoo had been empty since the end of last year after the site announced the death of its beloved Californian sea lion, Filippa.

The 24-year-old, who had been at the zoo since 2008, was put to sleep after his health, including arthritis, began to deteriorate.

The site’s remaining sea lion, Gala, was moved to Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, where she has joined half-sister duo Kira and Leoni.