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Houston Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved California Sea Lion

 

Deano at Houston Zoo

Deano 1983-2009



Deano at Houston ZooDeano, a charismatic Houston Zoo resident and a senior citizen in the world of California sea lions passed away on the morning of August 13 at his pool in the Houston Zoo’s McGovern Mammal Marina.  Deano was 26 years old.  “The normal life expectancy of California sea lions ranges between 15 and 25 years, so Deano had a very long and full life for a sea lion,” said Houston Zoo Sea Lion Curator Beth Schaefer
.

 “Deano was such a charmer. We are missing him so much right now. He was very special to us and to Zoo guests,” said Schaefer.  “Although he was a sea lion senior citizen, Deano was very playful and enjoyed interacting with his keepers and the other California sea lions at the Zoo,” said Schaefer.  

Born June 19, 1983, Deano arrived at the Houston Zoo in May 2008 from a marine park in Hawaii.  As a young sea lion, Deano was a star performer at several Sea World marine parks.  Deano came to the Houston Zoo as a proven breeder male and was introduced to the Zoo’s two young female sea lions, Cali and Kamia.  While breeding activity was observed this summer, we will not know until next summer if conception occurred.

Deano’s personality and friendly manner endeared him quickly to his keepers and Zoo guests.   Though in his twilight years, Deano enjoyed interacting with his trainers and performing for the public.  He was an extremely good natured sea lion who stole the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.  Deano was an outstanding ambassador for his species and for the Houston Zoo and he will be greatly missed.   A necropsy, an animal autopsy has been performed.  Results of the procedure may not be known for several weeks.  

In February, Deano successfully underwent surgery to remove cataracts from both eyes.  In March, Deano returned to the sea lion pool after getting a clean bill of health from his veterinary ophthalmologist.  “He made a complete recovery from the procedure and was back to being the Deano we all knew and loved so much,” said Schaefer.  “He was spending his days barking at Cali and Kamia and getting to know our newest addition to the group, Astro a young male who arrived a few weeks ago,” said Schaefer.
 


 
 

Comments for Houston Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved California Sea Lion:

Total Comments: 21
  • Jade on 3-Feb-10 6:38 PM permalink

    I get your magazine, and i almost broke down crying out of sorrow. Deano will be missed by everyone. At least he passed knowing he was loved by many.

  • Leah on 24-Aug-09 9:02 PM permalink

    Me and my little brother miss him very much but I know he is having a great time in heaven

  • Emo on 17-Aug-09 9:16 PM permalink

    I was saddened to read about Deano's death. I will miss hearing his lively sea lion bark. My condolences to the Sea Lion Keeper family. May Deano be at peace.

  • Felise on 15-Aug-09 3:40 PM permalink

    I miss Deano already. He was funny when he roared. I only knew him a short time cuz I am 6 but he was funny.

  • Chris on 14-Aug-09 4:36 PM permalink

    I am so sorry for your loss. I was one of the Moody Gardens Keepers relocated after Rita, and saw Deano several times during my stay. The sea lion crew is our thoughts. Sincerely, Chris St. Romain GCAAZK

  • Fayza on 14-Aug-09 6:32 AM permalink

    Deano was the best kisser in the world. And the biggest kahuna. I already miss him so :(

  • Alexandra on 13-Aug-09 11:33 PM permalink

    to the keepers! for all the amazing memories with deano! i know his life was even better when he meet mel and bret and to the other amazing keepers who keep it going! keep up the good work!

  • Jaime on 13-Aug-09 7:25 PM permalink

    I am so sorry for the loss of Deano. He will be missed by everyone that had the honor to visit him at the Houston Zoo.

  • Jonti on 13-Aug-09 5:42 PM permalink

    Deano, Thanks for making so many memories for those who cared for you and enjoyed learning from you. Our thoughts with the staff during this time.

  • Chris on 13-Aug-09 5:25 PM permalink

    I'm so sorry for your loss, to everyone; Deano had a presence that affected anyone with whom he came in contact. He was a wonderful soul and will be deeply missed.

  • Rhi on 13-Aug-09 4:34 PM permalink

    So sorry to everyone at the zoo for your loss. Deano had such a personality and was so full of life! He'll certainly be missed.

  • Maggie on 13-Aug-09 4:27 PM permalink

    LOVE YOU DEANO!!!!!!!!! We will miss you.

  • Thai on 13-Aug-09 4:10 PM permalink

    We just saw Deano yesterday and watched him sing by the pool.

  • Lauren on 13-Aug-09 3:40 PM permalink

    This breaks my heart. He was such a fun animal to watch. I remember heading to the primate section every morning and being greeted by good old Deano. We'll miss him.

  • Lisa on 13-Aug-09 3:24 PM permalink

    God Bless you Deano! You will be missed! Have fun swimming in that big ocean in the sky!

  • Beth on 13-Aug-09 3:19 PM permalink

    How we loved watching Deano on our visits. The Houston Zoo will be in our thoughts.

  • B on 13-Aug-09 3:15 PM permalink

    Sorry to see such a sweetheart go. Hugs to the Zoo and to Deano's care takers!

  • Courtney Pemberton
    Courtney on 13-Aug-09 3:11 PM permalink

    I will miss you Deano. Our prayers go out to the keepers and staff that worked closely with this amazing sea lion.

  • Ed Schipul
    Ed on 13-Aug-09 2:41 PM permalink

    So so sorry for your loss. Deano was quite a character and will truly be missed!

  • David Stagg
    David on 13-Aug-09 2:41 PM permalink

    I'll never forget that sloppy sea lion kiss you gave me! We'll miss you!

  • Shawn on 13-Aug-09 2:35 PM permalink

    Thank you, Deano, for the sheer delight that you provided us over the many years we were lucky enough to know you. You were always a highlight of my many visits to the zoo and you will be greatly missed. We love you!!!


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