Captain Bennie Kirkbride turned pinniped-packed performances into shows that had Zoo audiences roaring with laughter for 35 years. What began in 1948 as a less-than-10-minute act grew into elaborate productions incorporating the 3 types of shows that Bennie developed during his years at the Zoo: a dry act, which featured seals and sea lions performing on the stage; a diving act, which took place in the Wegeforth Bowl pool; and the most unusual—the seals and sea lions presenting their skills while riding ponies.

1948

Growth 1947 - 1956

New sea lion show in town: Bennie Kirkbride started out as a sea lion keeper, but in 1948, he started up the sea lion show in Wegeforth Bowl that he would run for more than 30 years. The last sea lion show at the Zoo had been conducted by his stepfather, Captain Leslie Borinstein, so Bennie was well versed in the wily and winning ways of the energetic and talented pinnipeds. Which was a good thing, because at various points he had as many as 17 sea lions in training under his care!