EN
Endangered
A
Animalia
N
Native
Archipelago Wide
The Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) is a species of sea lion that breeds on the Galapagos Islands and, in smaller numbers, on Isla de la Plata (Ecuador). Being fairly social, they are often spotted sun-bathing on sandy shores or rock groups or gliding gracefully through the surf. Their loud bark, playful nature, and graceful agility in water make them the "welcoming party" of the islands. They are the smallest sea lion species. The Galapagos sea lion is a species that primarily breeds in the Galapagos Islands, although some breeding colonies also occur on Isla de la Plata just off of mainland Ecuador. They are one of two types of seal found in Galapagos and are part of the eared seal family having external ear pinnae. They are not "true" seals, as they are able to rotate their hind flipper under their pelvic girdle and lack the characteristic long, finger-like claws of true seals. The configuration of their pelvic girdle allows them to "gallop" across land, reaching speeds exceeding that of a running person on rocky terrain.