19-year-old WEM sea lion to be relocated to the U.S.

West Edmonton Mall says after 19 years, Quinty will move to an accredited facility in the United States to join a group of female sea lions.

Quinty the sea lion is off to enjoy her senior years in the United States after spending 19 of them entertaining the masses at West Edmonton Mall.

In a social media post, the mall said Quinty will join a social group of female sea lions at a new accredited facility south of the border.

“She has been a cherished part of the West Edmonton Mall community for decades,” said the post. “Over the years, she has helped inspire millions of guests to learn more about marine mammals, ocean conservation and the importance of caring for wildlife.”

Trainer Stacey Feltham said moving Quinty to a facility with other female California sea lions will be the best thing for her.

“Females don’t typically hang around other males unless it’s in the breeding season,” explained Feltham.

Quinty currently lives with her son, Wembley, who was born in 2022, and Wembley’s father, Pablo.

While the move is sure to enrich Quinty’s life, says Feltham, it’s been hard on the trainers.

“Whenever we are having an animal that’s moving on, or even an animal who has passed away … it’s heartbreaking. They’re our colleagues at the end of the day, they’re animals that we live and bond with.

“But knowing this is the best transition for Quinty in this life stage makes us happy.”

A special event is to be held on May 30 before Quinty departs, which will highlight her favourite behaviours and the bond she shares with her trainers.

Quinty was born at the Royal Artis Zoo in Amsterdam in 2007 and came to the mall when she was a year-and-a-half old.

California sea lions typically live to be between 20 and 30 years old.

Feltham said there are currently no plans to move additional animals.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch