Blind Seal Onion Joins Tacoma Zoo

0:00It's March 26th. Vancouver News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. A blind, 11-year-old harbor seal, named Onion, is making his way to the point-defined zoo and aquarium in Tacoma. He's moving from the Cleveland Metro Park Zoo to join the Rocky Shores Habitat, following a breeding recommendation from experts. Starting this weekend, visitors will be able to see him there. James Journey started back in September 2015 when he was just 17 months old and stranded on a beach in Massachusetts. Rescuers found him, rehabbed him on Cape Cod, and sent him to Cleveland. And I infection there left him blind, leading to the removal of both eyes for his well-being, which made him unfit for release into the wild. That Tacoma Zoo has handled blind marine mammals before, like a sea lion named Björn, who adapted using sounds and cues. Onion now shares space with two female harbor seals, Riley born in 2011 and known for her shy personality and key lag born in 2000, four with a steady confidence.

1:05The group is already bonding well in their new setup. Zoo staff say Onion has done great undercare and fits right in. Catch Onion's public debut from Friday through Sunday at Rocky Shores, with a trio promises some peaceful viewing for seal fans everywhere.