For Christen, the morning exercise was routine. But other people training Steller sea lions at aquariums worldwide view him as a pioneer. Most of the world's captive Steller sea lions are kept at aquariums in Japan, according to the SeaLife Center. A marine park in Holland has six Stellers, and another in Connecticut has six more. Four pups are being raised at the Vancouver Aquarium in British Columbia.
Most marine parks work with California sea lions, the other member of the sea lion family.
Stellers are more like a bull mastiff,'' he said. They're not as quick to catch on, but still capable learners, he said. They're also more inclined to challenge for dominance and fight. Adult bulls weigh more than 1,500 pounds, and that can pose a problem. Woody, now 5, should reach that weight within four years, Christen said.