Galápagos sea lion

The Galápagos sea lion lives and breeds on the Galápagos Islands and, in smaller numbers, on Isla de la Plata in Ecuador. It is the smallest sea lion species. Scientists once treated it as a type of California sea lion, but genetic studies show it is its own species, Zalophus wollebaeki.

Adults are 1.5 to 2.5 metres long and weigh between 50 and 400 kilograms, with males larger than females. Sea lions have ear flaps on the outside of the head, which is one way to tell them from true seals. They are clumsy on land but graceful swimmers that can twist and turn through crashing surf. On Galápagos beaches and town benches, you will often see them napping.

What does it look like?

Wet sea lions look dark brown, but when dry their colour varies a lot. Females tend to be lighter than males. Pups are born with a brownish-black coat that fades to brown in about five months, and then they moult into the adult coat. Males have a thicker neck and shoulders and a bump on the forehead, called the sagittal crest, which grows when they become adults. The front flippers are leathery and black, and they have claws that are mostly tiny nubs.

How long do they live?

Galápagos sea lions mature at about four to five years old and live roughly 15 to 24 years. They are playful and not afraid of people, so they often nap right in towns, but visitors should still keep a safe distance and never touch them. Our card for this animal says that the number of sea lions falls sharply when El Niño, a warm-water event, reduces their food supply, and that the species is listed as endangered.

On the globe

The toy model of the Galápagos sea lion rests on the Galápagos Islands. Look for the pointed, whiskered nose and the flippers.