Home › Mammalia › Otariidae › Galápagos Sea Lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
SPECIES PROFILE
Galápagos Sea Lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
Zalophus
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Rocky and sandy coasts, shallow seas
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Otariidae
GENUS
Zalophus
📋 Description
SIZE
Females up to 1.5 m; males up to 2.5 m, 250 kg
COLORATION
Tan to dark brown
ADAPTATIONS
Agile swimmer; hauls out on beaches and benches
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rocky and sandy coasts, shallow seas
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands
REPRODUCTION
Single pup, nursed up to a year
DIET DETAILS
Sardines and other schooling fish
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
El Niño, disease, entanglement
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Endemic to Galápagos, pups are famously curious and will swim right up to snorkellers.
2
Bulls defend stretches of beach and bark constantly to hold their territory.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
La Lobería, San Cristóbal
Santa Fé Island
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
They are everywhere along Galápagos beaches and docks; snorkellers often meet playful youngsters.
