Sea Lions

Lobos marinos, literally translated as “sea wolves,” are called sea lions in English. There are several species of sea lions. In South America they are found on the coasts of Chile and Argentina as well as Peru and Uruguay. Sea lions are very social animals; groups rest packed together in small caves or on rocky ledges. Pups weigh between 27 and 30 pounds at birth and they nurse for at least 6 to 12 months. Mothers can recognize their pups among the many in a crowded rookery through smell, sight, or vocalization. The mother is extremely protective of her pups. Male sea lions patrol territories during the breeding season and they bark almost continuously. Battles between males trying to become dominant are very common.