California sea lions are faster than other seals or sea lions and are able to swim nearly 25 miles an hour. Sea lions often gather in large colonies on huge rocks along the seashore. Their thick layers of blubber help them survive the icy cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The smallest of all the sea lions, Babybel enjoys swimming and time with the other sea lions.
Our only male sea lion, Gordo loves to lay on the rocks with all the females around him. He especially seems interested in Holly. Gordo is easy to pick out from the females because he's the largest.
Holly was rescued after being found stranded on Malibu beach. She is a fast learner and, during sessions with her trainers, guests can watch her do some incredible dives, jumps and other behaviors.
Joy was born at the Marine Mammal Center in Santa Barbara, Calif. Her mother was being treated there and couldn't care for her, so the staff stepped in to care for her.
Called PJ for short, she enjoys playing with toys as well and spending time with other sea lions. She seems to like spending time with Joy the most.
Look no further. Connect with our amazing animals and learn about the wild places they come from.
Get acquainted with these charming marine mammals as our animal care staff demonstrate the sea lions’ extraordinary ability to learn. Watch our Animal Care Team work with our California sea lions on basic trained behaviors that allow the animals to participate in their own care. Learn all about how we care for our animals at the Zoo and how these intelligent creatures are wonderful representatives for their wild counterparts!
The Animal Amigo program helps care for all of the animals at the Zoo by funding food, medical treatment, equipment, enrichment toys, and habitat improvement for the animals in our care. For a donation of $100 or more, you can sponsor a sea lion at the Indianapolis Zoo. You will receive a plush, collector card, certificate and recognition on the Animal Amigo donor board!
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