California Sea Lions

California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) are San Francisco Bay natives easily identified by the presence of external ear flaps, unlike harbor seals which only have internal auditory structures.These marine mammals are playful and intelligent, and have even been spotted body surfing waves better than Kelly Slater himself. Sea lions can swim at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, almost as fast as the Great White Sharks that predate on them, reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour. Although Great Whites can swim faster, the streamlined bodies of sea lions allow for rapid changes of direction, making for a thrilling cat and mouse game between these awesome creatures. Contrary to the prison lore of Alcatraz, Great White Sharks typically do not spend much time inside the Bay, which allows for local populations of sea lions to sunbathe on Fisherman’s Wharf without a care in the world.