Harbor Seal Pup Born At Milwaukee County Zoo: Pictures Included

MILWAUKEE, WI — A female seal pup was born at the Milwaukee County Zoo on May 24, zoo officials announced on Wednesday.

The pup is bonding and nursing with her mother Cossette, zoo officials said in a statement. The pup was born on land and started swimming after 30 minutes.

Keepers separated 2-year-old male seal pup, Bosco, to give the newborn time to bond with her mom and learn to nurse, zoo officials said. Bosco was curious and followed the mom and pup closely, which led to interruptions from the pup trying to nurse.

After four to six weeks, keepers will wean the unnamed pup and teach her to eat fish, zoo officials said. Keepers will feed her by hand.

The pup was born to mother, Cossette and father, Ringo, zoo officials said. This is 7-year-old Cossette's first pup and 44-year-old Ringo's sixth pup.

Cossette arrived at the Milwaukee County Zoo from Anchorage, Alaska in 2016, zoo officials said. Keepers said she has a calm, cooperative and easygoing manner.

The pup is usually in the outdoor habitat, but the pup and her mother have the option to go inside at any time, zoo officials said.