California sea lions

You’ll know you’re getting close to the sea lions in our care by the energy in the air. Sea lions are extremely social — and vocal! They often cluster in large groups of tens to hundreds of sea lions when hauled out on shorelines, piers, or jetties. In water, they form smaller groups called “rafts.” Their long front flippers are perfectly suited for swimming. On land, sea lions tuck their hind flippers beneath their body and use all four flippers to “walk” around.

Seals and sea lions
Sea lions and seals are often confused, but here’s a clue you won’t forget. Sea lions have visible ear flaps — seals have only holes. Listen to the chorus of sea lion calls sea lion and you’ll easily remember it’s the ears that set them apart

California sea lions communicate with a range of vocalizations. The most commonly used one is their characteristic bark. Territorial males are the loudest and most continuous callers, and barks are produced constantly - day and night - during the peak of the breeding season. Sea lions bark especially rapidly when excited. The barks of territorial and non-territorial males sound similar, although those of the former are deeper. Males may bark when threatening other males or during courtship. The only other vocalization made by territorial males is a "prolonged hoarse grunt sound" made when an individual is startled by a human. This vocalization is also made by groups of non-reproductive males.

Female sea lions are less vocal. Their barks, high-pitched and shorter than those made by males, are used in aggressive situations. Other aggressive vocalizations given by females include the "squeal," the "belch," and the "growl." The sound a female sea lion gives when calling her pups is called a "pup-attraction call," described as "loud" and "brawling." Pups respond with a "mother-response call," which is similar in structure. Pups will also bleat or bark when playing or in distress. California sea lions can produce vocalizations underwater. These include "whinny" sounds, barks, buzzings, and clicks.