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ICYMI: STL sea lions meet GoPro cams

Just like the St. Louis Cardinals, the sea lions at the St. Louis Zoo need a Spring Training workout to get ready for the upcoming season!
Roby gets a workout in before his first “Spring Training” show on March 14.

ID=70245314ST. LOUS – Just like the St. Louis Cardinals, the sea lions at the St. Louis Zoo need a Spring Training workout to get ready for the upcoming season!

On Wednesday, trainers used a GoPro to get up-close video of the sea lion's training session at the St. Louis Zoo's Lichtenstein Sea Lion Arena at Sea Lion Sound. The trainers attached the GoPro to training devices, such as the target pole and hoop, and also wore a chest harness.

The sea lions are trained using fish as a positive reinforcement, and when they perform a behavior on cue -- such as jumping, climbing, flipper waves and even sitting still – the keeper reinforces that behavior with a reward of fish.

The sea lions receive the majority of their diet during three training sessions throughout the day. This training is also helpful for the sea lion so it can participate in its own health care. For instance, sea lion "Dixi" will allow a trainer to brush her teeth.

ID=70245348The First Bank Sea Lion Show "Spring Training" kicks off Saturday, March 14, with special guest Brad Thompson, former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and current co-host of "The Fast Lane" on 101ESPN, tossing out the "first fish" at the 1 p.m.

Spring Training shows are daily at 1 and 3 p.m. through March 29. Admission is $2.

For a full list of Spring Training and show schedules, visit the Zoo's website.

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