But the more esoteric smells—orange, banana, vanilla, and cinnamon—were hits, too, even though wild sea lions are unlikely to find themselves in situations that smell quite so Christmasy. Particular sea lions even picked favorites. “One individual, Sage, was crazy about cinnamon. Just absolutely crazy about it,” says Samuelson.
— Dr. Mystera Samuelson of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Mississippi talks about aromatherapy for sea lions in rehabilitation. Read more at Sea Lions Are Surprisingly Receptive to Holiday Spices at Atlas Obscura.
My English Angora house rabbit, who passed this year at age 11, absolutely loved vintage Angel. It was full of coumarin, as is hay! She also loved lavender and chamomile. Most other mammals use their sense of smell far more than we do, so I’m not surprised the sea lions are fume heads, too!
Oh, what fun! Thanks for sharing, and so sorry your rabbit is no longer with us.