Banham Zoo announces death of Filippa the sea lion

Banham Zoo announced the death of Filippa, a Californian sea lion, on social media on Tuesday. 

Filippa was born in 1999 in Germany and lived at Blackpool Zoo before arriving at Sea Lion Bay in Banham.

She has been at Banham Zoo since 2018 and took part in regular sea lion shows in the enclosure, showing how the mammals move on land and in the water.

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A spokesman for the zoo said: "Filippa had been displaying signs of ageing, in particular symptoms of arthritis.

"While she remained bright and engaged with our keepers, participating in her regular training sessions, sadly in recent weeks her condition had begun to deteriorate, and it became apparent during a veterinary examination that it was the right time to say goodbye.

"Our thoughts are with her keepers, who miss her greatly, and our wonderful visitors, who we know have a special soft spot for our sea lions."

Filippa was popular among staff and visitors (Image: Banham Zoo)The zoo's second sea lion, Gala, has been relocated to Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire due to the need for a social environment. 

Banham Zoo is currently working on plans for the future of Sea Lion Bay and will reveal these in early 2024. 

The attraction will be closed in the meantime. 

The park recently announced plans to build on 11 acres of unused land with exhibits including a rainforest dome, butterfly house, and bug enclosure, as part of a drive to include more native species in its animal line-up.

It comes after up to 20 jobs were cut at Banham Zoo and its sister site Africa Alive last month due to “significant savings” being required to keep the parks open.