My favorite mammal on the Galápagos Islands – the sea lion

On these isolated islands you will find a unique wildlife. A place where the animals don't mind humans comming close to them. It is in the air you will find the largest predators. This is one of the reasons why people and animals can be near each other as if it is the most natural thing in the world. They do not expect anyone on foot to do any harm to them. In the sea there are lots of mammals. One of them is the sea lion. It was the animal I saw the most of and it was impossible not to get close to. The sea lion cubs were no more than a few weeks old. They were curious and playful when they saw us. They are definitely extrovert and likes to interact with humans. They will often get into the water and swim with those in the water snorkeling or bathing.

The sea lions on the photos above, are living on the island of Fernandina. On a an afternoon walk along part of the coast, I think I could count at close to 20 individuals.

It is possible to see sea lions on all of the islands in the archipelago. They are not an endangered species. We were told that there ar about 50.000 individuals all together on the islands. They have not developed into an independent species. Biologically they are thought to be a subspecies of the California sea lion.

These cubs are playing with each other. The place is the island of Santiago. We arrived in a small boat. As soon were about 10 to 15 meters away, the swam towards us. A few meters from the beach, we jumbed in the water. They were so playful and curious that it was hard to stay away. They were alone because the mothers were out fishing. The guide told us that the moms can stay at sea for two or three days, leaving the pub. But they only nurse twice a week.

You find them in the towns as well! They didn't mind people or trafic. The street you can see on the photos, is the main street along the sea front in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. An adult sea lion will take all the place on a bench so you just have to find your self another place to sit. Even I saw so many during my elleven day visit to the islands, I never had enough of them.

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All the photoes are mine, Ulla Jensen (flickr, Instagram and facebook)

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