Baby sea lion 'acts like as a ribbon dancer' when playing with artificial kelp – video

Pepper, a nine-month-old sea lion, has mesmerised her carers by performing intricate rhythmic gymnastics-style circles through the waters at Point Defiance zoo and aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. Noelle Tremonti, a biologist at the aquarium, says the strips help the pup learn how to interact with kelp, which grow in abundance in the animal's natural environment, and how to explore her environment using her mouth. Pepper was the first sea lion born at the facility's its 120-year history

• A ribbon dancer': captive baby sea lion performs acrobatics with artificial kelp