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Zalophus wollebaeki
Slightly smaller than their Californian relatives, Galápagos sea Lions range from 150 to 250 cm in length and weigh between 50 to 400 kg, with the males averaging larger than females. Adult males also tend to have a thicker, more robust neck, chest, and shoulders in comparison to their slender abdomen. Females have a longer, more slender neck and thick torso. Once sexually mature, a male’s sagittal crest enlarges, forming a small, characteristic bump-like projection on their forehead. Galápagos sea lions, compared to California sea lions, have a slightly smaller sagittal crest and a shorter muzzle. Adult females and juveniles lack this physical characteristic altogether with a nearly flat head and little or no forehead.
All over the Galapagos Islands. You can find them both in the water and in the sand beaches and rocky shores. Beware of getting in between males fights while wading in the water. Females and youngsters come to play and can fake biting your feet (sometimes is not so fake!)
Spotted on Sep 5, 2005
Submitted on Jun 16, 2011
14 Comments
supreme.
Oh! How wonderful!! The sea lion was just born!! No wonder it is so cute and getting used to its new surroundings too. I imagine birds may the placenta; many animals do as its extra rich of vitamins. Thank you for your sharing this wonderful experience with sea lions =).
Hi Patty: the "thing" is the placenta. the baby was just born and had still its placenta and umbilical cord. Of course the birds don´t miss an opportunity to get extra protein. In these islands there is no much to eat for birds so they can take advantage of this extra source of food.
So sweet; it looks kind of sad though...Regarding the third picture in your series, may I ask what the "thing" between the bird and the baby sealion is? Greetings
so sweet!
Awesome
Thanks, pouihi!
Thanks, Cecilia! This island was full of moms and pups at the moment I was there..
Thanks! In Galapagos is easy. Española is one of the islands that had lots of pups with their moms right in the beach, ate least in Sep that year I went.
Adorable little pup, great work
Sounds like paradise!
In Galapagos most animals are very tame so is ideal to make pictures :-)
Marta, incredible beautiful series!
Good series of pictures and Good information. Thanks.