Species · GBIF taxon 2433467
New Zealand Sea Lion
Phocarctos hookeriAlso known as Hooker's Sea Lion, Pakake, Whakahao, Kake
These robust marine mammals are among the rarest sea lions in the world, characterized by a striking sexual dimorphism where massive, dark brown males dwarf the paler, sandy-colored females. They are highly active on land, frequently venturing deep into coastal forests and sandy dunes to rest or nurse their pups. Their slow recolonization of the New Zealand mainland represents a remarkable conservation journey, though they face ongoing challenges from fisheries and disease.
Marine MammalEndemicVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Arrow Squid
- Red Cod
- Yellow-eyed Penguin
Predators
- Great White Shark
- Orca
ThreatsBycatch in commercial fisheries, disease outbreaks, habitat disturbance, and historical hunting
HabitatsSandy beaches, coastal forests, grassy dunes, and subantarctic waters
Life spanUp to 20 to 25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCarnivora
- FamilyOtariidae
- GenusPhocarctos
- SpeciesPhocarctos hookeri
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Can charge quickly on land and bite if cornered; maintain a distance of at least twenty meters.
- Why it is dangerous
- Massive bulls can weigh up to 450 kilograms and can run surprisingly fast on land using all four flippers, delivering a powerful bite if threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for large, dark brown or sandy-colored seals with visible external ear flaps moving actively on sandy beaches or in coastal forests.
- What to do
- Never approach, feed, or corner them; back away slowly if a sea lion begins to vocalize or move toward you.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by their blunt snout, loud barking, and presence on southern New Zealand beaches and subantarctic islands.
- Support conservation
- Report any injured or entangled individuals to local conservation authorities immediately without trying to assist them yourself.
Responsible observation
- Keep your distance: Stay at least 20 meters away from resting sea lions, and double that distance if they are active or with pups.
- Avoid blocking paths: Never stand between a sea lion and the water, as they may charge if they feel trapped.
- Leash your pets: Keep dogs on a tight lead in known sea lion areas to prevent stressful or dangerous encounters.
Co-occurring Otariid (c) Sid Mosdell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Occasional Prey (c) Adriana Nelly Correa Sandoval, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adriana Nelly Correa Sandoval · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Katya, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katya · cc-by
Family Member (c) Liam Steele, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Liam Steele · cc-by
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