Most people cannot tell the difference between Sea Lion and Seal. What is even more confusing is that Fur or “Eared” Seals are really Sea Lions. What baffles people more is that Sea Lion is a closer cousin to Walrus than to Seal.
Sea Lions (Otariidae) have noticeable ears. With their powerful shoulder and back muscles, Sea Lions can haul themselves out of water anywhere, instead having to look for a sandy beach like Seals. Moreover while Seals, who have small flippers for legs, scoot along the ground, Sea Lions can walk with their webbed back legs.
Gregarious Sea Lions are often seen milling about, calling to each other. Male Sea Lions can be seen playing or just laying around. Mothers with their Pups stay in close contact with other Mothers.
Hundreds of Sea Lions will gather together in the water as a giant raft. (Hence the term for a group of Sea Lions is ‘raft’.) Group foraging is often coordinated among various members of the raft, who also engage in synchronized diving.
Before She gives birth, Mother Sea Lion will go to a secluded area, and make noises at her abdomen. After her Pup is born, She barks in his face. Her Pup barks back. Together They form a close bond. When Mother Sea Lion returns from foraging in the sea, She calls to her Pup. He calls back knowing his Mother will answer Him. Sea Lion Mother does all She can to help her Pup grow up.
Sea Lions show how to form close bonds between mothers and children.
Take time to read what the individual Sea Lion and Fur Seals have to teach. Also, see what their cousins, Walrus and Seal, have to teach.
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Go On to Seal Family's teachings
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Photos of Sea Lions and Fur Seals courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Va. Carper
July 25, 2007