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California Sea Lion
Zalophus californianus
California sea lions are faster than any other seal or sea lion. They can swim at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. They can also make deep dives, staying underwater for up to 10 minutes pursuing fish, squid, and shellfish.
Animal Facts
Size
Males can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and grow up to eight feet long. Females weigh up to 400 pounds and grow up to six-and-a-half feet long.
Diet
A variety of fish, including Pacific whiting, market squid, shellfish, rockfish, herring, and salmon
Lifespan
18 to 25 years
Range
Eastern North Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California
Conservation Status
Least concern
Threats to Survival
- Poaching
- Pollution
- Entanglement
Zoe and Sierra’s Story
Zoe and Sierra were rescued as pups by the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center because their mothers were sick from domoic acid poisoning. Hand-raised pups cannot be released back into the ocean because they have not learned how to survive in an ocean environment, so in June 2011, Zoe and Sierra were transferred to be cared for by the New England Aquarium.
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Splashing on Exhibit California sea lions splash and vocalize on exhibit -
California Sea Lions and Trainer California sea lions receive jello molds as a form of enrichment -
California Sea Lions California sea lions enjoy the sun in the Aquarium's Marine Mammal Center -
California sea lion A California sea lion rests on a rock while on exhibit
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Donate to Support Ocean Conservation
At the New England Aquarium, ocean conservation is at the center of everything we do. And with your help, we can tackle pressing threats and their effects on ocean animals and habitats.
