Milwaukee County Zoo Seal and Sea Lion show to end after 30-year-run

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The beloved Seal and Sea Lion show at the Milwaukee County Zoo is coming to an end after lack of funding for facility repair.

"This pool is starting to fail and unfortunately the Milwaukee County Zoo does not have any funds allocated for restoration of it," said Shelley Ballmann, owner of Ocean Connections which facilitate and take care of the popular sea mammals.

The show has been a magnet for zoo spectators for 30-plus years. Ballmann said with no repair for their pool and facility, she had to make the right decision for her animals.

The Milwaukee County Zoo releasing a statement saying in part:

"While the Zoo values its business partners, we also need them to contribute to the operational success of the Zoo. The expense of renovations to the pool and surrounding facility in which Oceans Connections operates is far more than the Zoo’s budget can accommodate."

Ballmann said the animals will be taken in by Ocean Connection's sister facilities.

The last show will be Dec. 3.