A Friendly Sea Lion at Vancouver Island, Canada

Sea lions are ocean rulers; they are elegant, gregarious, and insatiably curious. Learn how these amazing marine creatures live in thriving colonies, hunt in packs, and traverse large bodies of water. Come along as we investigate the intriguing world of one of the most entertaining predators in nature.

Sea lions are marine mammals classified as pinnipeds and are distinguished by their external ear flaps, elongated foreflippers, ability to move on all fours, dense and short fur, and broad chests and abdomens. Along with fur seals, they belong to the Otariidae family, commonly known as the eared seals. There are currently six living species of sea lions and one known extinct species, the Japanese sea lion, spread across five genera. They inhabit a wide range of oceanic environments, from subarctic to tropical regions, in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres—though they are notably absent from the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Sea lions typically live between 20 and 30 years. Male California sea lions generally weigh around 300 kilograms (660 pounds) and reach lengths of about 2.4 meters (8 feet), whereas females are smaller, averaging 100 kilograms (220 pounds) in weight and approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length. The largest species, Steller’s sea lion, can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weigh as much as 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). These animals are known for their hearty appetites, often consuming between 5% and 8% of their body weight in a single meal—equivalent to around 6.8 to 15.9 kilograms (15 to 35 pounds) of food. In the water, sea lions are strong swimmers, typically moving at speeds of 16 knots (30 km/h or 18 mph), and can reach peak speeds of about 30 knots (56 km/h or 35 mph). Among sea lion species, the Australian, Galápagos, and New Zealand sea lions are currently classified as endangered.

Sea lions share a close evolutionary relationship with both seals and walruses. Along with fur seals, they are part of the Otariidae family, commonly referred to as the eared seals due to their visible external ears. In the past, sea lions were classified under a separate subfamily known as Otariinae, while fur seals were placed in another subfamily called Arcocephalinae. However, this classification has been revised in more recent studies.

Sea lions can be found in Canada, particularly in the coastal regions of British Columbia. The Steller sea lion is the most prominent species in this area, commonly seen along the province’s rocky shorelines. Since receiving legal protection in 1970, their numbers have increased significantly, with the population more than doubling. Additionally, California sea lions are also present in British Columbia’s waters, especially during the winter season when they migrate north.