Sea Lion (California)

About the Sea Lion (California)

They are the trained seals of circuses and aquariums, though they are not true seals. They are highly intelligent and can learn complex tasks. The US Navy trains them to recover equipment and detect enemy swimmers. Males bark loudly to establish territory during breeding season. Over 300,000 exist. They often haul out on docks and boats, sometimes sinking small vessels by their weight. They can dive to 270 meters. They live 20-30 years. They have external ear flaps, unlike true seals. They can rotate their hind flippers forward to walk on land.