After living at Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training Zoo for 30 years, Schmoo the sea lion passed away on Wednesday.

Schmoo’s health had steadily declined leading up to her death. The cause of death is not yet known, but according to zoo operations supervisor Michyln Hines, it is believed to be complications from old age. Hines went on to say that most sea lions live to be 30-years-old when raised in captivity, which was approximately Schmoo’s age.

Despite this, the animal’s passing still came as a shock.

“It did not come as a surprise,” said Hines. “But anytime you lose an animal it’s a shock. It’s like losing family.”

Gary Wilson teaches animal training at EATM, and worked with Schmoo as a trainer. He says that he and the students that helped train Schmoo miss her.

“She was a very big part of our lives,” said Wilson.

Schmoo was very patient with the instructors and students who worked with her, according to Wilson, even in her advanced age.

Currently, Schmoo’s body is at SeaWorld awaiting an autopsy. The specific cause of death won’t be known until November.

EATM acquired Schmoo in 1981 as part of the animal collection in support of the two-year program at Moorpark College. Hollywood also called on her for roles in both commercials and feature films, including the 1983 film “The Golden Seal.”

“Aside from all the students that she trained, she touched the lives of thousands of children who came here,” said Hines.

Lori Bennett, dean of the exotic animal training and management, said that while Schmoo will be missed by her trainers and the students who worked with her, part of working with animals is dealing with death.

In spite of this, she said it still can be hard.

“You get very attached, it’s like losing a friend,” said Bennett.