New Zealand Sea Lion: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Seals and Sea Lions · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. New Zealand sea lion mothers lead their pups up to 2 km inland, into tall grass and forest. No other seal or sea lion roams so far inland.
2. Inland sea lions have turned up in backyards, playgrounds and even a community swimming pool.
3. They eat all sorts: fish, rays, sharks, octopus, seabirds and even New Zealand fur seals.
4. At Sandy Bay, 27 % of adults examined had scarred skin from near-miss attacks by great white sharks.
5. Males grow up to 3.5 m long and weigh up to 450 kg. Females reach about 2 m.

The quiz

1. How far inland can New Zealand sea lions travel?

• Up to 50 metres
• Up to 200 metres
• Up to ten kilometres
• Up to two kilometres (correct)

Mothers lead their pups up to two kilometres inland.

2. Which place have inland sea lions turned up in?

• A shopping centre
• A community swimming pool (correct)
• A church
• A railway station

Sea lions have turned up in backyards, playgrounds and even a community swimming pool.

3. Which of these is on the sea lion's menu?

• Penguin eggs only
• Jellyfish only
• New Zealand fur seals (correct)
• Seaweed

They eat fish, rays, sharks, octopus, seabirds and even New Zealand fur seals.

4. What share of adults examined at Sandy Bay had shark-scarred skin?

• 27 % (correct)
• 7 %
• 50 %
• 90 %

27 % of adults examined at Sandy Bay had scars from near-miss shark attacks.

5. About how long can a male New Zealand sea lion grow?

• About one metre
• About two metres
• About six metres
• Up to three-and-a-half metres (correct)

Males stretch up to three-and-a-half metres, while females top out at about two.

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