To celebrate the pitter patter of tiny flippers, Banham Zoo would like readers of the Eastern Daily Press to help choose a name for its new sea lion pup.

On Friday, June 15, keepers could not have been more thrilled when Californian sea lion Filippa gave birth to a healthy pup. It was the first sea lion pup to have been born in the new Sea Lion Bay, which opened in March this year as part of the zoo's 50th birthday celebrations.

For the first few weeks, Filippa and the pup could be seen on the island in the centre of the enclosure where the pup was born. At just over five weeks old, the curious and adventurous sea lion pup can now be seen confidently swimming around the pool with mum and the four other sea lions. She is also starting to explore the enclosure more, which enabled keepers to identify her gender.

Mike Woolham, animal manager at the zoo, said: 'We had a suspicion that mum Filippa might be pregnant after talking to our colleagues at Blackpool Zoo, where she lived before coming to Banham in March, and finally confirmed it with our vets after they performed an ultrasound examination on her. From that point it was just a case of monitoring Filippa until she gave birth.

'Once the sea lion pup arrived it took a few weeks before we could get close enough to determine its sex, but now we know she is a female we would love readers to help us name our first ever sea lion pup.'

Eastern Daily Press: The female pup is starting to explore her enclosure under the watchful eye of mum Filippa.The female pup is starting to explore her enclosure under the watchful eye of mum Filippa. (Image: Archant)

All name suggestions received will be considered by keepers at Banham Zoo, who will vote for their favourite.

The person who suggests the winning name will receive a one-year sea lion sponsorship and complimentary tickets for two adults and two children to come along and visit the zoo and see the sea lion pup, mum Filippa, and all the other animals.

To enter this competition:

Email your suggested name to marketing@zsea.org by noon on Friday, August 31.

Terms and conditions:

This competition is open to UK residents over 18 years of age.

Competition closes at noon on Friday, August 31.

The winner will be the favourite name chosen by the Banham Zoo Keepers after the closing date.

The winner will be notified by email/phone and the results may be published by Archant and Banham Zoo in print and on the associated websites (including associated social media).

We and Banham Zoo reserve the right to report details of competition winners, to take photographs (or other visual media) and to publish such media.

The prize is for a one-year sea lion sponsorship and complimentary tickets for two adults and two children to Banham Zoo. The winner will be responsible for all other costs and expenses related to their prize, such as any travel/food/drink consumed at the zoo. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Unless you have chosen to receive other information, Zoological Society of East Anglia (t/a Banham Zoo) will solely use the data you provide for the purpose of running the competition, including contacting winners and the distribution of any prize and promoting the results of the competition. Entry into any competition does not give rise to any binding agreement between the parties. Archant is acting as agents for Banham Zoo and as such excludes all liability for loss or damage you may suffer as a result of this competition. The zoo keepers' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Employees of Archant and Banham Zoo and their immediate families and agents may not enter.