The California Sea Lion
The California Sea Lion, a beloved character along the coast of California and other parts of the Pacific Ocean, is a coastal sea lion that is extremely intelligent and adaptable. The sea lion has abundant numbers (188,000 estimated in 1995) and a population that continues to expand at a rate of roughly 5% annually.
Sea lions are very intelligent creatures that are capable of adapting to man-made environments. Even the adult males can be easily trained. Because of their adaptability and intelligence, California sea lions are commonly used in circuses, zoos, and marine parks. In addition to their use in entertainment facilities, the US Navy uses sea lions for specific military operations. The sea lion is the classic circus “seal”, despite not being a real seal.
Male California sea lions typically grow to 8 feet long and weigh up to 660 pounds. Females, as in most animals, are significantly smaller at only 6.5 feet long and 210 pounds. They all have pointed muzzles which give sea lions a dog-like appearance, at least in the face. Male sea lions also grow a large crest of bone on the top of their heads. This is what gives the sea lion its generic name. “Loph” is “forehead” and “Za” is an emphatic. Thus, Zalophus Californianus means “Californian big-head.” The California sea lion also has a mane. It is not quite as well developed as the manes found on adult South American or Steller sea lions. Females have lighter coloring than the males. Pups are born dark but lighten as they grow older. When they are dry, sea lions are a chocolate brown color.
As the name suggests, the California sea lion is mainly found in the waters off of California. They are also present in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. In addition, sea lions have been sited in Mexico. The Galapagos Sea Lion and the now-extinct Japanese Sea Lion were once thought to be subspecies of the California sea lion. Now, however, these two populations are generally considered to be completely separate species.
California sea lions breed from the Channel Islands off of Southern California into Mexico. Non-breeding populations, typically made up of males and juveniles, are the sea lions seen in the more northern climates. Typically, they like to live on broad sandy beaches. They also will gather at marinas and wharves and may even be seen on navigational buoys. These man-made items provide safety from both orcas and white sharks, their two main natural predators.
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Joseph Devine
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