Sea Lions

Sea Lions can dive to depths of 600 feet in search of food, and can remain under water for up to 40 minutes before having to surface for air. They can also swim up to 25 miles per hour, which allows them to cover large areas. They generally live in large groups and feed on fish and mollusks. They also have a wide range of vocal sounds. They can live up to 18 years in the wild, and longer in captivity.

Stellar Sea Lions live along the rocky North Pacific coastlines of America and Asia. The males are brown with a darker chest and abdomen. The females are lighter in color, and the pups are nearly black. Their average length is up to 10 feet, and they can weigh up to 2,400 lbs. The males prepare for breeding in May when they arrive at the island rookeries to establish and defend their territories against other males. Soon, the females arrive and form harems with the males. The newborn pups remain with their mothers for up to a year.

Californian Sea Lions live in the coastal waters and rocky coastlines of California, the Galapagos Islands and Japan. They can average 7 feet in length and can weigh up to 600 lbs. Their coat is dark brown and the males have a large mane. This species of sea lions are easily tamed and trained and are often seen in zoos and circuses. Mating and pupping occurs between May and June when a single pup is born. The pups nurse for 2 to 3 months and will remain with the mother for several months before independence. They eat a wide variety of fish, squid and octopus. On land they like to sun together in large groups and remain close to each other. In the water they float on the surface in smaller groups while the young ride the surf and play.