Species · GBIF taxon 2433460
Galápagos Sea Lion
Zalophus wollebaekiAlso known as Lobo Marino de Galápagos
Galápagos sea lions are highly social marine mammals that dominate the sandy beaches and rocky shores of the archipelago with their playful antics and loud, barking vocalizations. Bull sea lions aggressively defend large aquatic territories and harems, while females and pups form tight-knit nursery groups on land. These agile swimmers spend their days hunting fish in the open ocean, navigating complex currents with remarkable grace.
Marine MammalEndemicSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sardines
- Squid
- Octopuses
Predators
- Galapagos Shark
- Killer Whale
- Feral Dog
ThreatsEl Niño events, marine pollution, climate change, and feral dog diseases
HabitatsSandy beaches, rocky shores, and shallow coastal waters
Life span15 to 24 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCarnivora
- FamilyOtariidae
- GenusZalophus
- SpeciesZalophus wollebaeki
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large bulls can be highly territorial and aggressive; maintain a distance of at least two meters.
- Why it is dangerous
- Territorial bulls can charge rapidly on land and deliver a powerful bite to defend their harem.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Bulls are much larger than females, weighing up to 250 kilograms, and develop a prominent bony bump on their forehead.
- What to do
- Never approach a bull sea lion, block their path to the water, or attempt to touch pups.
- What to notice
- Look for sleek, tan to dark brown coats, visible external ear flaps, and a dog-like face.
- Support conservation
- Strictly follow national park rules by staying on marked trails and never feeding or touching them.
Responsible observation
- Keep Your Distance: Maintain at least two meters of space, especially from large bulls guarding territories.
- Do Not Block Paths: Avoid standing between a sea lion and the water, as they may charge to escape.
- Secure Belongings: Keep bags and cameras close, as curious pups may investigate or play with loose items.
Co-occurring Otariid (c) Juan Carlos Caicedo Hernández, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Juan Carlos Caicedo Hernández · cc-by
Predator (c) R Vasconcellos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by R Vasconcellos · cc-by
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Liam Steele, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Liam Steele · cc-by
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