Sea Lion (Galapagos)

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Yawning Sea Lion © Barbara and Tim Buckley-Owen

    Yawning Sea Lion © Barbara and Tim Buckley-Owen

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Surfing Sea Lion © Godfrey Merlen

    Surfing Sea Lion © Godfrey Merlen

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Sea Lion family © Robert Silbermann

    Sea Lion family © Robert Silbermann

Species Data

Common Name Galapagos sea lion
Scientific Name Zalophus wollebaeki
Spanish Name Lobo marino
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Endangered © Dan Wright

Endangered

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Native

Size 1.5-2.5m
Average Lifespan 15-20 years
Predators Orcas and sharks
Food Piscivore (mainly sardines but also other fish, octopus and crustaceans)
Animal Class Mammal

Species Overview

Sea lions are generally playful and inquisitive coastal animals that spend the majority of their time close to shore. They are capable of diving to depths of 350 metres and can remain underwater for up to ten minutes. A single male or ‘bull’ sea lion keeps guard over many female sea lions and spends a lot of time defending his territory from other males. Sea lion pups have distinct barks which their mothers use to find them after returning from a feeding trip.

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