Six Flags welcoms first seal pup born at park in 8 years

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom welcomed the first Pacific Harbor seal pup born at the park in eight years.

The seal pup was named Lily by the staff in honor of her birth over Easter weekend.

The 20-lb. black, grey and white spotted pup was born to 9-year-old Maile, a first time mother, and 10-year-old male Dyson.

"We expected the birth to happen any time over the past few weeks," said Michael Muraco, animal care director. "Seal births are particularly unique in that the pup starts swimming within a few minutes after birth. Within a few hours, they're already exploring. Maile is proving to be a great mom with strong maternal instincts."

Pups double their weight within the first four to six weeks after nursing on their mother's milk, which is about 45 percent fat. In the wild, a mother will leave its pup after the first month to finish growing and fend for itself.