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Californian Sealion Collection

The Californian sea lion, also known as Zalophus californianus, is a playful and fascinating creature found in the North East Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in a kelp forest (Macrocystis pyrifera)

Group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in a kelp forest (Macrocystis pyrifera), California, USA. Pacific ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) swimming in kelp forest

Group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) swimming in kelp forest (Macrocystis pyrifera), California, USA. Pacific ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: RF - California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) with mouth open close to the camera

RF - California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) with mouth open close to the camera. The milk teeth of this pup show decay, which is quite usual. Los Islotes, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) uses a Panamic cushion star

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) uses a Panamic cushion star (Pentaceraster cumingi) as a toy. The sealions pick up the starfish and then drop them and chase after them as they sink

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) two resting with flippers round each other

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) two resting with flippers round each other, Monterey Bay, California, USA, September

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus) swimming in Southern sea palm (Eisenia arborea)

Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus) swimming in Southern sea palm (Eisenia arborea) and Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest, San Benitos Islands

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: RF - Silhouette of a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) swimming through

RF - Silhouette of a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) swimming through an underwater cave. Los Islotes, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups in an underwater cave. Los Islotes

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups in an underwater cave. Los Islotes, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Sea of Cortez, Gulf of California, East Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sealion (Zalophus californianus) swimming. Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur

California sealion (Zalophus californianus) swimming. Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Pacific Ocean, Mexico

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Californian Sealion (Zalophus californianus) in kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest

Californian Sealion (Zalophus californianus) in kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest, San Benito del Este Island, Baja California Peninsula Pacific Islands Biosphere Reserve, Baja California, Mexico

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) group playing in the sun in the early morning

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) group playing in the sun in the early morning. Santa Barbara Island, Channel Islands. Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) looking down from the surface. Los Islotes

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) looking down from the surface. Los Islotes, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Sea of Cortez, Gulf of California, East Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus) in Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest

Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus) in Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest, San Benitos Islands, Baja California Pacific Islands Biosphere Reserve, Baja California, Mexico, May

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Black and white photo of a silhouette of a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

Black and white photo of a silhouette of a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pup in an underwater cavern with sun beams. Los Islotes, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing near the sea surface

Group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing near the sea surface, Espiritu Santo Island, Baja California, Mexico, Sea of Cortez

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing, Espiritu Santo Island, Baja California

Two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing, Espiritu Santo Island, Baja California, Mexico, Sea of Cortez

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) feeding on a bait ball of Sardines (Sardina sp)

Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) feeding on a bait ball of Sardines (Sardina sp)
Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) feeding on a bait ball of Sardines (Sardina sp.) being followed by a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), Espiritu Santo Island

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) close up with group playing in shallow water behind

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) close up with group playing in shallow water behind, Espiritu Santo Island, Baja California, Mexico, Sea of Cortez

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) feeding on Sardine bait ball (Sardinops sagax)

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) feeding on Sardine bait ball (Sardinops sagax). West Coast of Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus) resting on the beach, Mosquera Islet

Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus) resting on the beach, Mosquera Islet, Galapagos Islands

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus), Los Islotes

Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus), Los Islotes, Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park, Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), Mexico, September

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: A Californian Sealion performs for its keeper at London Zoo, July 1921 (b / w photo)

A Californian Sealion performs for its keeper at London Zoo, July 1921 (b / w photo)
1262613 A Californian Sealion performs for its keeper at London Zoo, July 1921 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942)

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing in a kelp forest off Santa Barbara

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing in a kelp forest off Santa Barbara Island, California, USA

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus californianus) two interacting on sand, Mosquera Islet

Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus californianus) two interacting on sand, Mosquera Islet, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. May

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sealion, (Zalophus californianus), playing with seastar, Los Islotes, Sea of Cortez

California sealion, (Zalophus californianus), playing with seastar, Los Islotes, Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico, East Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Young California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) play in the canopy of a forest of Giant kelp

Young California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) play in the canopy of a forest of Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). Santa Barbara Island, Channel Islands. California, USA. North East Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing in a kelp forest off Santa Barbara Island

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing in a kelp forest off Santa Barbara Island, California, USA

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) bursts through a school of Pacific chub

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) bursts through a school of Pacific chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) while hunting beneath Eureka oil rig, Los Angeles, California, USA, Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Group of young California sea lions (Zalophus californianus

Group of young California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing in the sun in the early morning. Santa Barbara Island, Channel Islands. Los Angeles, California, USA. North East Pacific Ocean

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Danny Frank / SpecialistStock

Danny Frank / SpecialistStock
California Sea lion (Zalophus Californianus) large bull and several pups hauled out on a dock, Monterey, California, USA, Pacific ocean, National marine sanctuary

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Sub-adult bull California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) mock-fighting on Los Islotes

Sub-adult bull California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) mock-fighting on Los Islotes
Michael Nolan / SplashdownDirect

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) underwater at Los Islotes, the southernmost haul out

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) underwater at Los Islotes, the southernmost haul out
Michael Nolan / SplashdownDirect

Background imageCalifornian Sealion Collection: Adult female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) which has become entangled in a gill net

Adult female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) which has become entangled in a gill net on Los Islotes
Michael Nolan / SplashdownDirect




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The Californian sea lion, also known as Zalophus californianus, is a playful and fascinating creature found in the North East Pacific Ocean. These intelligent animals can be spotted in various locations, such as Santa Barbara Island off the coast of Los Angeles, California. One captivating sight is witnessing Californian sea lions frolicking in a vibrant kelp forest. Their sleek bodies gracefully navigate through the swaying kelp strands, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It's truly a testament to their adaptability and agility. In another scene, a Californian sea lion finds solace resting amidst the canopy of giant kelp. The towering Macrocystis pyrifera provides both shelter and tranquility for these marine mammals on Santa Barbara Island. Traveling further south to Espiritu Santo Island in Baja California, Mexico, we encounter more enchanting moments with these charismatic creatures. A group of California sea lions joyfully plays near the shimmering surface of the Sea of Cortez. Their synchronized movements create an awe-inspiring display that showcases their social nature. Observing two California sea lions engaging in playfulness on Espiritu Santo Island brings warmth to our hearts. With flippers wrapped around each other, they demonstrate affection and camaraderie within their community. Not only do Californian sea lions interact with one another but also with other species like Brandt's cormorants. In one instance captured off Espiritu Santo Island, we witness a curious sealion following closely behind as a cormorant feeds on sardines forming bait balls—a true example of inter-species dynamics within this rich ecosystem. These agile creatures are equally at home underwater as they are above it. Swimming effortlessly through dense kelp forests or gliding alongside shoals of sardines creates breathtaking scenes that remind us how interconnected life beneath the waves truly is.