Turtle Back Zoo’s Oldest Sea Lion Dies, Was ‘Ambassador’ For Species

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The oldest sea lion at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo has died, staff reported Tuesday.

At 32-years-old, “J.R.” was the oldest sea lion within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) population, living nearly 10 years beyond his median life expectancy, the zoo said.

“J.R.’s advanced age was a testament to the exceptional care he received over the course of his life,” the zoo stated in a social media post. “His ‘retirement years’ were spent where he felt most comfortable, spoiled by his trainers with boundless affection and attention.”

The Turtle Back Zoo has earned multiple certifications from American Humane, and received accreditation from the AZA for the fourth time last year.

The beloved sea lion’s favorite training sessions included innovating new behaviors, receiving “tactile” and giving high fives – all things he will be remembered fondly for.

“J.R. had a gentle and sweet disposition and was the ultimate teacher, usually being the first sea lion a new trainer worked with,” the zoo continued. “In his time at TBZ, he taught dozens of trainers how to excel in the use of positive reinforcement training, while also continuing to learn to participate in his own health care into his golden years.”

He will be missed not just as a resident of the zoo, but as an “ambassador” for his species, the zoo added:

“Serving as an ambassador for his species, J.R. inspired millions of visitors to protect the ocean and conserve his wild counterparts. J.R.’s gigantic heart, handsome face, blonde muzzle, and wiggly ears will be missed profoundly by all those who loved him, and he has left a huge flipper print in the hearts of many. Please keep all who cared for him in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

J.R. isn’t the only sea lion that the zoo has found itself mourning over the past few years.

In September 2022, the sudden loss of a sea lion known as “Zeus” stunned staff and visitors to the Turtle Back, who commended the affection that zoo caretakers gave to him while he was alive. Read More: 'Sudden Loss' Of Beloved Sea Lion Stuns Staff At Turtle Back Zoo

In May 2021, “Dyson,” a 9-year-old California sea lion, passed away. He was stranded as a pup and deemed non-releasable, then given a permanent home at the zoo. Read More: Sea Lion At Turtle Back Zoo In NJ Dies

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