SEALION Hugo is barking mad - and the din is disturbing the peace for the other 400 animals at Blackpool Zoo.

The problem came to a head this weekend when thousands of dogs descended on the resort for the annual championships.

Hugo had some tough competition with the loud barking from the nearby showground in Lawsons Road and although he is normally fairly quiet, he found his voice at the weekend when his regular bursts into song coincided with the loud barking from the dogs down the road.

Zoo manager Iain Valentine commented on how Hugo's barking, which carried across the 32-acre zoo, gave the keepers a headache.

He said: "Although we were glad to see all these dogs arriving in town, frankly we were grateful for the peace and quiet when they went.

"Hugo thought he was protecting his harem, but with all the barking from the dog show, he decided he just had to compete."

The Californian 13-year-old is normally noted for his gentle manners around the four females in the sealion pool, the largest in Britain.

But Hugo is now more territorial than ever because sealion mums Lottie and Coral have only recently given birth to his pups.

Blackpool Zoo's successful breeding programme has been underlined as both females gave birth on exactly the same day as they did last year.

The newborn pups have much to learn before they can join in the chorus but their older siblings are more than keen to provide the back up vocals to entertain the visitors.

Mr Valentine said: "Although the trio's efforts were unlikely to win Grammy awards, their antics were amusing for early season visitors to the zoo."

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