I recognize the Patagonians, and they are impressive enough, but what kind is that big steroid looking deal in this video? Unfortunately, I will always compare every sea lion act I see with the one I worked with in Niagara Falls with 8 cow's and a bull California sea lion, and I have seen nothing comparable. You have to see 9 front flippers stands to appreciate sea lions.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Jim and Joey
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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9 comments:
Don't you know anything Tiger Man? This is not about doing something, this is about hugging and kissing a humongous great looking guy.
Cyndi and I looked at this video a few days ago and could not figure out that big fella. It has a California-esque head but is way too big. We thought Stellar sea lion, maybe.
Joey,
I to thought it was a bull California, but I have never seen one near that big. We'll have to wait for Salty Alexander to get here. LOL
Wade
GSH,
That's not what the actress Fatty Arbuckle was accused of murdering said.
Wade
Joey and Cyndi are right. It's a bull Steller. Didn't do much but it didn't leave either. I've seen some work with them at Japanese parks and Alaska Sealife Center. From what I hear, they're not as aggressive as they are excitable and when you're that big when you want to go, you go. There are only a few facilities with Stellers. Mystic Aquarium, CT had a group for years.
Is this a Russian act -- the Ice Circus? Best behavior was the hoop spinning on the flipper -- and the Steller staying on his seat.
Long time Marine World Africa USA scuba diver wrote a little book about a Stellar bull that was captured and was trained at the park. In the end he was released back to the wild because the only guy that could handle him left. The book is called "Wild Lion Of The Sea". Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Joey,
I will bet you anything Marine World said as the gentleman walked out the gate, "good riddance to him. We don't need him, and you guy's can do anything he can do." LOl The sea lion was fortunate it was released. If it was a circus animal, it would have been jerked around by many a goof. Thanks for the story.
Wade
I won't take that bet because I have seen it over and over again. By the way the scuba diver/ author's name is Don C. Reed. Take care.
Jim,
After you mentioned Stellers, I researched them a bit. That's just me, I have to know more. LOL They are monsters alright. I sometimes think "captive thoughts" on an animals personality has a lot more to do with personal perception, instead of true natural behavior. Something that big, if it does run at you, or you try to "stop" it is going to instantly know humans can be had. The bravest soul in the world is going to give off "oh shit" vibes/body language that I personally feel an animal instantly picks up on. Possibly Stellers don't blow because they want to, but rather because they can.
I have come to learn that the Patagonians are so impressive, why use the smaller Californian. Why train cheetah's when tigers and lions are available. They will never to as much anyway.
Another question. I have noted all the front flipper/single flipper stands done by the Patagonians I have seen, appear to be weak in comparison to the Californians used at Marine Land. The back does not arch as strong and hold like what I observed at Marine Land. Is that because the Patagonian is heavier and not as agile as the Californian or is it a "training flaw/circus standard" of that's good enough, they don't care/won't know the difference?
Wade
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