Mammals
Galápagos sea lion
Zalophus wollebaekiConservation statusEndangered
DietSardines, fish that swim in schools, and squid
Lifespan15-20 years
Size and weightMales up to about 250 kg
You see it on almost every beach and on the benches of the pier. Adult males are much bigger than females. They guard a part of the beach and make a lot of noise.
Visible ear flap
What makes it specialThe pup drinks its mother's milk for up to three years, longer than any other sea lion in the world. So you see big pups that still stay close to their mother.
Surprising factVery curious about snorkelers. It swims around them and plays with them in the waves.
PopulationAbout 10,000-50,000, after a fall of about 60 percent since 1978. It is endemic: the whole world population is in Ecuador.
On almost every beach: Las Bachas, Puerto Egas and Rábida
Sea lionFur sealSizeMales up to about 250 kgMales up to about 65 kgHeadLong snout, looks like a dogShort snout, big eyesFurOne layer, short and smoothTwo layers, thick and untidyWhere it restsIn the sun, on sand and piersIn the shade, in cracks in the rock and in cavesActivityBy dayMainly at night
In the sun on the sand: sea lion. In the shade among the rocks: fur seal.