Texas Zoo Mourns The Loss of The Only Military Veteran Animal at Zoo

The El Paso Zoo is heartbroken to announce the passing of Little Bit, affectionately known as L.B., their beloved California sea lion. At 25 years old, L.B. passed away on Sept. 1 due to declining health.

For two weeks, zookeepers noticed changes in L.B.'s behavior, including discomfort and loss of appetite. While veterinarians suspect heart or kidney disease—common in elderly sea lions—the exact cause of his death is still under investigation.

A necropsy revealed a fluid-filled mass the size of a cantaloupe near his shoulder, but further tests will reveal more in the coming weeks. 

L.B. wasn’t just any sea lion

He was the ONLY military veteran animal in a zoo. Before arriving in El Paso in 2013, L.B. served three years in the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, assisting in underwater detection missions. 

Known for his iconic salute, L.B. would honor veterans and the armed forces with this heartwarming gesture, and the crowd would proudly salute him back.

L.B. Memories Live On

Many locals that went to the El Paso zoo may have fond memories of L.B. because he was always known to salute the crowd as they arrived to the Sea Lion area.

I have fond memories of L.B. back from my KVIA weather anchoring days.Whenever I’d do the 4 o’clock weather forecast for the show we would have fun pulling up the El Paso Zoo animal cameras that record the animals at the zoo just living their best lives.

L.B. was camera shy so whenever we’d pop up the cameras it turned into a game of “Where’s L.B.” 

Sea lions typically live up to 23 years, but L.B.'s spirit and service made him truly unforgettable. 

Rest easy, L.B.