A CALIFORNIA sea lion pup has been born at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park.

Ineke, one of the park’s most beloved sea lions, gave birth to her first offspring after an 11-month pregnancy.

The new-born has been given the name Otis by its keepers. Otis is the first California sea lion to be born at Blair Drummond, and the first pup to be born in Scotland in at least twenty years.

Shane Belson, sea lion team leader at Blair Drummond, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Otis to our family.

“Ineke is proving to be a great mum, and little Otis is growing more confident and curious every day.

“California sea lions are such a charismatic species and really help us to educate our visitors about the importance of marine biodiversity.”

Over the course of the next year, Ineke will nurse and care for Otis, causing her to spend more time indoors during this period.

Blair Drummond recently completed a state-of-the-art sea lion habitat which includes a specialised area for rearing pups.

“Though not currently endangered, in the wild these pinnipeds rely on a carefully balance marine environment, which is now increasingly under threat.

“We can all take steps to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and shop more sustainably.”

Visitors to Blair Drummond will still have the opportunity to observe sea lions in their outdoor habitat.