Dublin Zoo has opened a brand new state of the art sea lion enclosure.

The President, Michael D Higgins, officially opened the huge new sea water pool today at the zoo in the Phoenix Park.

Sea Lion Cove is the biggest development undertaken by Dublin Zoo in a number of years.

'Look at me!' The sea lions can show off for the public | Image: Dublin Zoo

The saltwater habitat was inspired by the natural environment of the California sea lions - and includes a state of the art water filtration plant, a deep saltwater pool and viewing area that allows visitors to watch the sea lions swimming underwater through glass.

Sea Lion Cove will be home to the colony of California sea lions at the zoo. There are three females - Cassie, Florence and Seanna - and one male, Nico.

You can almost touch them...almost | Image: Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo hopes the colony will grow to up to eight animals in coming years.

Team leader of the enclosure, Eddie O'Brien, is hoping for the patter of tiny fins soon.

The California sea lion is found on the west coast of North America down to Mexico, and males can weigh up to 350kg with females up to 100kg.

For the last four years, Dublin Zoo has attracted over one million visitors a year - making it one of Ireland's most popular visitor attractions.

This latest edition is already proving really popular.

Feeding time at the zoo!!! Always wanted to say that. More on the huge new sea lion pool @TodayFMNews soon pic.twitter.com/duooMnRbzI

— Helen Vaughan (@HelenVaughan24) June 9, 2015