California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

This is the beloved trained seal of the circus. The California Sea Lion is very fast, playful, and able to catch things in the air with its teeth. It is as playful in the wild as it is when tamed, riding the surf, and leaping in and out of the water. Often seen basking on land by day, the sea lion feeds at night. It can dive as deep as 450 feet below the surface of the water.

Look For : A brown seal with a tan face; females are lighter in color than males.

Length : Body 5-8' long; 100-860 lb.

Habitat : Island beaches or rocky coasts.

Range : Pacific Coast south to Mexico.