Four prominent Denver-area furry friends have moved into a newly built $19 million residence promising “new standards of living” in the City Park neighborhood.

Sea lions Luci, Ady, Gunnison and Maverick are the first occupants of Schlessman Shores — a reimagined space with a beach-style viewing area and colorful row homes meant to reflect real coastal communities where sea lions and people coexist — according to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. A fifth sea lion, Nick, is expected to arrive this fall.

Zoo officials said the habitat is designed to enhance guest experience and animal health.

The new aquatic system includes heated pools, improved filtration that cuts water turnover time in half, and behind-the-scenes care spaces. These updates support healthy skin, eyes, and coats while saving more than 2 million gallons of water each year.

The Gene N. Koelbel Underwater Viewing area allows visitors to watch the sea lions dive and glide through their saltwater pool. The Anschutz Foundation Sea Lion Island also features expanded bedrooms and private pools, which allow the animal care team to better meet each sea lion’s medical, emotional, and social needs.

Denver Zoo staff assist sea lions during deadly toxic algae bloom in California

Amid the sea lion habitat revamp in Denver, 10 members of the Denver Zoo staff traveled to California to assist animals during the most severe toxic algae bloom ever recorded.

Partnering with the Marine Mammal Care Center, the team helped treat hundreds of stranded sea lions suffering from domoic acid poisoning. Zoo veterinarians and animal care specialists supported daily feedings, medical treatments, and diagnostics.

Dr. Sushan Han, a pathologist with the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, performed necropsies on animals that did not survive, contributing to national research on the long-term effects of algae exposure. The bloom had cleared by late May, and no new cases were reported.

“This year’s domoic acid event was the most severe we’ve faced, overwhelming our team with sick and stranded sea lions in need of urgent care,” Dave Bader, MMCC chief operations and education officer said. “Responding to a crisis like this requires an extraordinary effort, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of partners like Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Their generosity helped us provide lifesaving treatment and gave these animals the second chance they deserve.”

Denver Zoo staff said the experience reinforced the importance of local and national conservation work.

“Now that sea lions are back at the zoo, I hope we can really make the connection as to how special these animals are and that we can all do our part to help,” animal care specialist Meryt Schumacher, who helped release 15 recovered sea lions back into the wild, said.

Where to donate to the zoo’s sea lion habitat

According to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, donors funded $5.5 million of the new habitat, including the Koelbel Family Foundation, Anschutz Foundation, Schlessman Family Foundation, Kintzele Family, and Jenna and Walker Stapleton.

But getting the animals home hasn’t been cheap. Zoo officials said it cost more than $23,000 to bring the sea lions to Denver, including $11,700 to transport four this spring, $5,700 for Nick’s upcoming trip, and $1,500 per staff member for care during travel.

Those who wish to donate or learn more can visit the zoo’s website at https://support.denverzoo.org/sea-lions-return.

Editor’s note: This story incorrectly stated the new sea lion habitat cost $5.5 million. That was incorrect: It cost $19 million, with $5.5 million raised by donations.