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Male sea lions establish territories and will breed with 15-20 females in a season.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: California sea lions are found along the coastlines of western North America, from British Columbia to California and Mexico. Males are dark brown in color and significantly larger, weighing up to 600 lbs. Females are typically a lighter tan color and weigh up to 200 lbs. Color variations between males and females are difficult to see when the sea lions are wet.
Diet: Sea lions are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat what is available in their environment. Typically they will eat a wide variety of fish, mollusks, squid and octopus.
Reproduction: Sea lions breed in late spring and summer along the coasts of Mexico and California. Males establish territories and will breed with 15-20 females in a season. Pups are born with blue eyes and dark brown hair. They quickly molt this dark brown covering for lighter colored tan hair. One pup is usually born at a time, staying with its mother for 4-8 months. During this time the pup will nurse, learn to swim and begin to eat fish.
Environmental Connections: California sea lions depend on the sea for survival. Ocean pollution is a great threat to this species. They feed exclusively on marine life, so contamination of fish by pesticides, oil and other chemicals poses a threat to their health. Chemicals such as DDT and PCBs are now illegal in our country but are slow to break down in the environment and are still being used by other countries.
Like many marine animals, sea lions can easily become entwined in fishing line, 6-pack rings, packaging materials and other objects. They easily confuse trash items with true food sources. They are vulnerable to sicknesses caused by ingesting plastic, metals and other trash.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
