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August is among us, and the wildlife never stops in Galapagos, especially during sea lion pupping season. This is the case with the year-round sightings of Galapagos sea lions across the archipelago. This famous species from our list of the Big 15 Galapagos is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous creatures in the archipelago, not to mention a clear favorite with residents and tourists alike. The winner for cutest animal in the Galapagos, though, has to be the pups of the Galapagos sea lion.
Their small, hairy frames, large, naive eyes, and lively personalities will enchant you and fill most of your Galapagos photo album. Before joining the enchanted La Pinta Yacht, continue reading to discover more about this stunning mammal during the mating season. And when you come upon one, try not to melt. We can’t, however, guarantee that you won’t.
Dry Season is When Galapagos Sea Lion Pupping Season Begins
Live the unique experience of the sea lion pupping season with Yacht La Pinta!
The dry season’s colder currents and cleaner air flood the waterways with life and nutrients, and many species find it ideal to mate and feed on the abundance of available food. A surplus of food results in more muscular puppies and more fruitful lactation. Although sea lion pups are born throughout the year, August, September, and even October—the driest months of the year—see sea lion activity.
Delayed… What?
It is well known that Galapagos sea lions can become pregnant as soon as a week or two after giving birth, an incredible ability. Since sea lions have a nine-month gestation cycle, the next pup would likely be born in May, during the hottest part of the year and when food is in short supply. Due to the awkward timing of this delivery, a process known as delayed implantation occurs. This indicates that the fertilized egg does not mature and floats around its mother’s uterus for up to three months. The egg is implanted in the uterine wall at the appropriate moment, continuing to develop normally.
Moms and Pups
The puppy will nurse its mother for the first week following its birth. The puppy will soon be left on the beach by its mother to go into the water and locate food. Distinct animal species have different methods for identifying their young, even when they look alike. Blue-footed boobies, for instance, build a boundary around their nest that serves as a means of identification for parents. When it comes to sea lions, moms emit a unique bark that the young can identify. Puppies typically respond in kind until the mother and child are reunited. But until the infant has scented it and verified that it belongs to her, the mother won’t feed it.
Don’t Pet it!
Despite their extreme cuteness, Galapagos sea lion pups require careful handling; avoid touching or petting them. It is against the policies of the Galapagos National Park and might be harmful to the unborn child. According to National Park rules, no animal in the Galapagos may be touched. Regardless of how acclimatized the Galapagos wildlife is to human presence, this not only helps prevent tourists from being injured by an anxious or fearful animal but also keeps the species as undisturbed as possible. When a sea lion cub comes into contact with a human, its mother can detect the human scent and will reject the pup immediately, leaving it alone.
