California sea lions are found from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. It breeds mainly on offshore islands, ranging from southern California’s Channel Islands to Mexico. Its color ranges from uniform chocolate brown in males to a lighter, golden brown in females. They are opportunistic feeders whose diets include squid, octopus, herring, rockfish, mackerel and small sharks.

The California sea lion is a gregarious animal known for its intelligence, activeness and noisy barking. The animal moves gracefully through the water, utilizing its fore flippers to propel itself and its hind flippers to steer. Their whiskers can be used to help them navigate through dark and murky waters. Sea lions have keen eyesight but no color vision.

The population of California sea lions is growing steadily and evidence of this growth can be seen in many coastal areas. Some of our resident sea lions are part of the 4R program, an initiative created to make a positive difference in the health and well-being of aquatic life from around the world.

Visit the sea lion in the Cold Water Quest gallery at the Aquarium.

• California sea lions have a "dog-like" face.
• Sea lions have visible ears, while seals by contrast do not have external ears.
• It is a very social animal, and groups often rest closely packed together or float together on the ocean’s surface in "rafts."
• Mothers recognize their pups on crowded rookeries through smell, sight and vocalizations.
• The California sea lion is capable of diving to depths of 899 feet (274 meters).

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