Utah’s Hogle Zoo and U of U Health team up to care for sick sea lion
Feb 7, 2025, 1:00 PM | Updated: 3:43 pm
Utah's Hogle Zoo and University of Utah Health giving Diego a CT scan. (Utah's Hogle Zoo)
(Utah's Hogle Zoo)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Hogle Zoo and the University of Utah Health partnered to provide critical care for Diego, a 650-pound sick sea lion.
The 20-year-old California sea lion resides at the zoo’s Rocky Shores exhibit.
Last fall, animal caretakers noticed the sea lion becoming less active, more vocal and having a decreased appetite. So, the zoo transferred Diego to University of Utah Health for a CT scan. Diego was put under anesthesia during his ride to the hospital.
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Senior Keeper at Rocky Shores Amanda Vu said the zoo staff had to physically move Diego from the van onto the CT machine using a stretcher and cargo net.
“We pay a special attention to like, his flippers because that’s not something that a human would have to worry about. But having that cargo net underneath him really helps,” said Vu.
The scan revealed advanced spinal disease which Vu said explained Diego’s flipper weakness.
Vu, said it was all worth it to get some answers about Diego’s ailing health.
“He’s such a pillar to the community that it means a lot to the zoo that we are able to take care of him in this way,” Vu said.
Diego at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. (Utah’s Hogle Zoo)
Diagnosing Diego the sea lion
According to a press release from the zoo, Diego has severe degenerative disc disease which includes narrowing of vertebral disc spaces, narrowing of the spinal canal and bulging discs
Diego will need ongoing specialized care including laser therapy and medication. The zoo said he is stable and continues to participate in his care.
Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
