California sea lion

Zalophus californianus

Mammalia · Carnivora · Otariidae

Fig. 1. California sea lion

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Body length about 2-2.4 m (males)
Weight	About 200-390 kg (males)
Food	Fish and squid
Lifespan	About 20-30 years
Society	Noisy colonies
Habitat	coastal
Range	North America
Wild or tame	Wild

An eared seal: it walks on its flippers and barks.

Observe: Watch it rotate its back flippers forward to walk.

Modern data

Status today

LCLeast concern status to verify

Conservation	Least concern.
Keeper's note	Daily checks of appetite, movement and behavior; enrichment that changes from day to day.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Zalophus

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

See it elsewhere in the museum

Zoo: Polar coast zone

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Weigh the cost of warmthPreviewThe Mammal Hall: What makes a mammal?PreviewThe Great Aquarium: Is a dolphin a fish?Preview

Drawer: Zoo: Polar coast

Quiz: Polar coast quiz · 5 questions