Highly intelligent animals that seem to seek out human companionship at times, sea lions are eared seals with short, sleek coats and very long flippers. Capable of walking on all fours rather than bouncing along on their bodies like their cousins the Harbor Seals do, these animals can be found in many different places throughout the world. There are six living species; the seventh, the Japanese Sea Lion, was hunted to the point of extinction and is thought to have died out sometime during the 1940’s.
Australian Sea Lion
Found on the southern and western coasts of Australia, Australian Sea Lions are also encountered at Seal Bay just off Kangaroo Island. Capable of making deep dives, and subsisting mainly on fish, these fawn colored animals are endangered, but have been making a comeback since 1972, when a ban on sea lion hunting was set in place.
California Sea Lion
Famous for the fact that they assist the United States Navy with detaining scuba divers that enter restricted waterways, and often exploited for entertainment purposes, California Sea Lions are an abundant mammal listed as a species of Least Concern on IUCN’s red list. Capable of staying beneath the surface for about 15 minutes at a time, they are found all the way from the US/Mexico border north to Alaska’s panhandle and in the Channel Islands.
Galapagos Sea Lion
One of more than nine thousand species found in the Galapagos, this sea lion is also found on Isla de la Plata and is sometimes encountered in Ecuador. Smaller than their Californian cousins, they are often preyed upon by sharks and killer whales. During El Nino years, these seals die off; as El Nino weather patterns become more prevalent, these animals are now considered to be an Endangered species.
New Zealand Sea Lion
Also known as Hooker’s Sea Lion, and sometimes called by its Maori name, Whakahao, this species is encountered around Stewart Island and South Island; it is also found in the Auckland Islands and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands. A vulnerable protected species, these sea lions have distinct tan markings on their heads. Males have a long, coarse black mane that extends from head to shoulders.
Patagonian Sea Lion
Also known as the South American Sea Lion, the Patagonian Sea Lion is found along the coasts of Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil. Females are sleek and brown, while males are massive, stout, and deep brown to black in color. Males are also distinguished by their spiky manes, and can weigh well over 700 pounds. Extremely prolific and a species of least concern, they maintain huge breeding colonies at Beagle Channel and in the Lobos Islands.
Stellar Sea Lion
Also known as Northern Sea Lions, Stellar Sea Lions are lighter colored than most other sea lion species, sometimes appearing golden in color, and sometimes taking on a reddish hue. Males are enormous, sometimes weighing in at well over a ton, and measuring over ten feet long, while females are much smaller, usually weighing about 500 pounds. Found from Russia to the Gulf of Alaska and all the way down to central California, they are sometimes seen hauling out on beaches in Japan’s Hokkaido.
No matter which of these species you encounter, you’re certain to enjoy the sight the sleek sea lions present underwater. Males can be aggressive, as can females with pups; pups and young adults tend to be extremely curious and will often follow divers from one place to another. Remember never to touch a sea lion – their bite is powerful, and a visit to the Emergency Room is a less than ideal way to end what should have been a fun and memorable dive.