California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is an eared seal of the eastern North Pacific, common along rocky coasts, harbors, offshore islands, and productive fishing waters. It has external ear flaps, strong front flippers, and the ability to rotate the hind flippers forward, which lets it move on land more easily than true seals. Adult males are much larger than females and may develop a raised forehead crest. Sea lions feed on fish and squid and gather noisily at rookeries and haul-out sites.

Human care occurs in marine mammal centers, aquariums, zoos, research programs, and rehabilitation facilities. Managed sea lions need high-quality saltwater, haul-out areas, social housing, fish diets balanced with supplements, and training for voluntary medical exams. Rescue teams commonly treat malnutrition, entanglement, domoic acid poisoning, eye injuries, and pups separated from mothers. Field management includes stranding response, fisheries interaction work, and public rules that keep people from feeding or crowding hauled-out animals. These are powerful marine mammals whose calm behavior depends on professional handling and habitat design.