Taronga Zoo, Sydney: Long-nosed fur seal pup called Birubi to make public debut

Seal-iously cute: Tiny seal pup called Birubi set to make a splash on her public debut as the first born at a Sydney zoo in 20 years – and you can catch her swimming over Easter

  • Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has had its first long-nosed fur seal birth in 20 years
  • Little Birubi was born in December but is now ready for her public debut
  • Animal fans can see Birubi over the Easter weekend taking a dip at the zoo
  • Birubi’s mother was hit by a boat in Sydney Harbour and was rescued

The first long-nosed fur seal born at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in more than two decades is ready to make a public splash.

New pup Birubi made her official debut at Taronga’s Seal Bay exhibit this week, three months after coming into the world.

Seals can’t swim when they are first born so Birubi has been practising off display in a purpose-built pupping nursery with an adjustable floor.

Senior keeper Lindsay Wright said she had grown in confidence and weight – up from three kilograms to 7.5 kilograms – and was now ready to join the main pool.

Seals can’t swim when they are first born so Birubi (pictured) has been practising off display in a purpose-built pupping nursery – but is now ready to join the main pool

Birubi's mum Keke was found with injuries in Sydney Harbour

Keke gave birth to Birubi at Taronga Zoo - the first long-nose seal born there in 200 years

Birubi’s mum Keke was found with injuries in Sydney Harbour after being hit by a boat (pictured, the pup playing)

‘She’s such a little firecracker. She’s got so much personality,’ she said.

Birubi was born on December 21 to first-time mum Keke, a rescue seal found swimming in circles in Sydney Harbour.

‘We think she might have been hit by a boat. She came to our Taronga Wildlife Hospital for rehabilitation,’ Ms Wright said.

‘She got very used to humans so we couldn’t release her back to the wild. She’s been here for approximately nine years.’

Ms Wright said guests in coming days and over the Easter holidays may witness Birubi take her first swim, but advised people to arrive early.

‘The best time to see her will be in the morning hours,’ she said.

‘She is still a tiny little baby so she will need some rest time in the afternoon.’

Birubi is the firstt long-nosed fur seal born at Sydney's Taronga Zoo in more than 20 years

She is now ready to join the main pool and show off eher swimming skills to visitors

Three months after becoming the first long-nosed fur seal born at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in more than 20 years, Birubi (pictured) has made her official public debut