California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

Irish Name: Leon farraige California
IUCN Status: Least Concern

California sea lions are marine mammals that have streamlined bodies and large, powerful flippers. Males are dark brown, while females and young are tan in colour. They spend time in the water and on land. Their flippers can rotate under their bodies to allow them to ‘walk’ on land. California sea lions are excellent swimmers and can swim at a speed of up to 40 km/h.

California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

Irish Name: Leon farraige California
IUCN Status: Least Concern

California sea lions are marine mammals that have streamlined bodies and large, powerful flippers. Males are dark brown, while females and young are tan in colour. They spend time in the water and on land. Their flippers can rotate under their bodies to allow them to ‘walk’ on land. California sea lions are excellent swimmers and can swim at a speed of up to 40 km/h.

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

The California sea lion lives along the western coast of North America, ranging from Canada to Central Mexico. They rarely swim more than 16 km out to sea.

How long do they live?

California sea lions live 15-20 years in the wild and approximately 30 years in zoos.

What do they eat?

California sea lions are carnivores (meat-eaters). They eat different kinds of fish, octopus and squid.

Group name

Colony

Zoo location

Sea Lion Cove

Closest related species / sister species

The Galapagos sea lion is the closest relative to the California sea lion.

Animal class

Mammalia

Animal order

Carnivora

Fun facts

Speedy swimming

The California sea lion can swim faster than any other sea lion or seal species. They can swim at a speed of up to 40 km/h when in pursuit of prey, but they normally swim at 10-15 km/h.

Hold your breath

California sea lions can slow their heart rate, allowing them to remain underwater for up to 10 minutes before surfacing to breathe. This allows them to spend a lot of time underwater in pursuit of fish.

Follow the dolphin!

California sea lions have been known to follow dolphins to locate food.

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Family Life

California sea lions live in colonies on rocky shores and are very social. Male California sea lions establish breeding territories that can include up to 14 females. Males are very territorial and defend their territories from other males with loud vocalisations (sounds) and physical displays.

Pups are born on land. While the pup is still nursing, the female leaves the pup on the shore when she travels to look for food in the ocean. She spends a number of days feeding and then returns to her pup to nurse. Pups stay with their mothers for about a year as they learn how to swim and find food.

Baby name

Pup

Gestation (pregnancy) period

Approximately 11 months

Number of young at birth

One

Weight at birth

Approximately 5-6 kg

Age at maturity

4-5 years

Adult size

Adult male California sea lions can weigh up to 390 kg and reach approximately 2.5 m in length. Adult females weigh approximately 110-180 kg and reach approximately 2 m in length.

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Conservation

Least Concern

The California sea lion is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Current population estimate

Approximately 180,000 mature individuals

Threats

California sea lions are threatened by human activities. They may get tangled in fishing nets, eat plastic items in the water, be poisoned by water pollution or get injured by people disturbing them or trying to feed them.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo is part of a breeding programme for California sea lions.

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Sea lion pups at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo Sea Lion Pups Swimming

The three sea lion pups Mateo, Yura and Zita have started swimming 😍😍😍

Gepostet von Dublin Zoo am Donnerstag, 6. September 2018

FAQs

  • What do California sea lions eat?

    California sea lions feed on different types of fish, octopus and squid.

  • Are California sea lions dangerous?

    California sea lions are normally not dangerous to humans. However, they do have sharp teeth and, like all wild animals, should not be approached or fed by humans unless trained or authorised to do so.

  • Where do California sea lions live?

    The California sea lion lives along the western coast of North America, ranging from Canada to Central Mexico. They rarely swim more than 16 km out to sea.

  • Are California sea lions endangered?

    Sea lions are not endangered and have experienced population growth due to gaining protection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the US. However, they are still threatened by human activities and may get tangled in fishing nets, eat plastic items in the water or be poisoned by water pollution.

  • How much does a California sea lion weigh?

    Male California sea lions can weigh up to 390 kg and females weigh approximately 110-180 kg.

  • Do California sea lions eat penguins?

    California sea lions do not eat penguins.

  • How big are California sea lions?

    Male California sea lions can grow to a length of up to 2.5 m and females up to 2 m.

  • Are California sea lions mammals?

    Yes, California sea lions are mammals.

  • What eats California sea lions?

    California sea lions are eaten by orcas and sharks in the water. Coyotes and feral dogs may prey on sea lion pups on land.

  • For how long can California sea lions remain underwater?

    California sea lions can stay underwater for up to 10 minutes before returning to the surface to breathe.

  • How long do California sea lions live?

    California sea lions live 15-20 years in the wild and approximately 30 years in zoos.

  • What are the main differences between seals and sea lions?

    Seals, sea lions, fur seals and walruses make up a group of marine mammals called pinnipeds. There are many differences between seals and sea lions that can help tell them apart. For example, sea lions can move more quickly on land as they have larger flippers that allow them to ‘walk’ on land. Seals have to move on their bellies. Seals are quieter than sea lions; they only make soft grunts, while sea lions bark loudly. Sea lions have small flaps for outer ears, while seals do not have outer ears. Instead, they have tiny ear holes on the sides of their heads. Seals spend more time in the water than sea lions and live more solitary lives, only coming together to mate.

  • What What is a group of California sea lions called?

    A group of sea lions is called a colony.

  • When do California sea lions bark?

    California sea lions communicate using a range of vocalisations (sounds). Their most common one is barking. They do this to warn others in their group about nearby predators, to threaten other males and to call to their pups. Pups will also bark when in distress.

  • How fast can a California sea lion swim?

    California sea lions can swim at a speed of up to 40 km/h when in pursuit of prey, but they normally swim at 10-15 km/h.

  • Are California sea lions related to dogs?

    Although they have dog-like faces and can make a barking sound, California sea lions are not closely related to dogs.

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