In Tacoma, Washington, a captivating display of agility was recently captured at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, as a young sea lion named Pepper delighted observers with her dynamic underwater performances, elegantly maneuvering a piece of artificial kelp. At only 9 months old, Pepper has emerged as the most acrobatic sea lion at the aquarium, showcasing her impressive swimming skills despite still being dependent on her mother’s milk.
Noelle Tremonti, a biologist at the aquarium, expressed her amusement and admiration for Pepper’s antics, likening them to a rhythmic gymnastics routine featuring a ribbon dancer. “Her underwater performances are both astonishing and mesmerizing,” Tremonti reflected, adding that it brings her joy to see the young sea lion engaging so deeply with her environment.
This delightful underwater display, witnessed last month in Tacoma, approximately 34 miles south of Seattle, is part of an enrichment program designed to bolster Pepper’s natural instincts. These artificial kelp strips, integral to her daily routine, emulate the kind of natural kelp that a sea lion would encounter in the wild. They serve a dual purpose: encouraging exploration and reinforcing natural behaviors as Pepper learns to navigate her surroundings with her mouth and her nimble flippers.
The strips, crafted from durable felt material, are perfectly sized for Pepper’s playful manipulation. In the video footage, Pepper is seen using her flipper to tug at one end, gracefully whirling in circles before clasping onto the strip with her mouth. These interactions help develop crucial skills for her growth and happiness.
Making history as the first sea lion born at the aquarium in its 120-year history, Pepper now weighs 74 pounds and has recently started to eat fish—though she prefers playing with them for now. Her inquisitive nature is most evident in her preference for playing with synthetic kelp.
“She dedicates a significant amount of time each day exploring new activities with her kelp strips,” Tremonti shared. Observing Pepper’s artistic flips and spins provides endless amusement to aquarium staff and visitors alike.
