HOUSTON – Houston Zoo visitors who spent time near the sea lion habitat likely remember Jonah — the California sea lion who was hard to miss, not just because of his size, but because of his personality.
The Houston Zoo said Jonah died Thursday night at age 29. In a tribute posted Friday, the Zoo said Jonah had recently shown signs of illness and was also dealing with age-related kidney disease. His animal care team stayed with him through the end, the Zoo said.
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Jonah’s story started in Northern California, where the Zoo said he was found orphaned and severely underweight. After being rescued and rehabilitated, he eventually moved to the Houston Zoo in 2013 and quickly became a standout in the colony. The Zoo said he later fathered two pups, TJ and Max, and in 2023 moved with the group into the Zoo’s newer Galápagos Islands habitat.
Even at his biggest — the Zoo said Jonah could reach around 575 pounds during peak breeding season — staff described him as gentle and patient. The Zoo also shared one of his signature “Jonah” quirks: if he thought he was waiting too long for food, he’d tap his back left flipper as a reminder it was his turn.
And for many Houstonians, Jonah was more than a Zoo favorite — the Zoo said he was featured in airport billboards, popped up in viral TikTok moments and even inspired a children’s book.
The Houston Zoo is encouraging guests to share favorite memories of Jonah so the team that cared for him can see them too.