Sea Lions of the Galapagos:
Jeffery
Jeffery is just taking a little snooze ashore on South Plazas Island. He is not a fully grown sea lion like all the rest of his friends and all the work of going fishing each day makes him very sleepy. He is happy that he is nice and dry and not covered head to toe in sand. He is one of those sea lions who doesn’t care too much for the beach. Today is a nice day, it isn’t too hot out and the sun right now is taking a break behind some clouds, Jeffery appreciates that. He doesn’t seem to notice this group of 15 people walking past him. The only movement he makes is with his eyes–just to open them, raise his eyebrows and wonder what is going on. The people aren’t too exciting for Jeffery, he has more important things to worry about–like napping, conserving energy, thinking about sleeping, thinking about eating more fish, swimming, and laying in the sun. It is really a difficult life for Jeffery. But now, all he is concerned about is curling up next to some rocks and taking a mid-morning snooze. He might decide to waddle his way into the ocean in an hour or two–possibly to catch some food but most likely to go for a nice swim. He really likes to swim. But for now, Jeffery is perfectly content with laying down ashore and enjoying a nice nap.
Peter
As is seen in this picture, Peter is a very photogenic Sea Lion. He definitely wants to draw attention to himself and he does so very well. The southern end of South Plazas Island is very different from the northern end. The island rises out of the water and then stops with a sheer and rocky cliff that drops down into the clear blue ocean. Peter is just taking a moment to durvey the area and also is posing for the camera. You see, Peter is the top male sea lion on this part of the island. He is the biggest, strongest, loudest, fastest, and most cunning sea lion on this part of the island. You can even see a battle scar on his lower right side. He made sure to show it off in this pose. One might even say that Peter, the sea lion, is the Czar of South Plazas, but that title may be up for debate. Peter enjoys to sit up on top of the cliff and stare out into the vast ocean of the Galapagos on a daily basis. From this height he really has a good sense of his dominance from this point. Later on Peter will waddle his way down the cliff into the ocean in search of food. Well it is actually not a search for Peter–he knows he will get food and knows it wont take him long–he is, of course, the best sea lion on this island. One might think that Peter is too cocky or arrogant, but in reality he isn’t too bad at all. He has to make sure that he stays confident or else some other sea lion might want to take his place away from him. All of this is in the back of his mind, but for now...he stares out into the ocean.
Bessy
Bessy is just hangin’ out on some rocks, trying to take an afternoon snooze. As you can see, she must be in a deep sleep because no sea in their right mind would sleep like this. It doesn’t look too comfortable, but then again, sea lions are unique animals. Bessy is a nice sea lion, she lets the local crab colony sit around her while she sleeps. What a nice woman. Bessy’s days consist of sleeping, fishing, sleeping, swimming, and taking care of her kids. She likes to think of herself as a good mom. She somehow manages to find her kids that are around this island on several beaches. Although it seems like a daunting task she always manages to come through for her kids. They are, after all, her future. She must raise them right. But for now, Bessy is just taking a mid-afternoon nap. She can see a boat of people off in the distance, but she isn’t bothered at all. She knows that the people are more concerned about seeing the local penguins. Most days she would be mad that she isn’ getting all of the attention, but for today she is okay with a nice nap.
Louis, Henry, Leo
Louis, Henry, and Leo are best friends. They just love to lay on the beaches of Espanola island. As far as teenage sea lions go they are closer than peas in a pod. They like to spend their days swimming in the ocean, playing games with each other for fun. They also like to go fishing together–It helps to have friends with you when you go fishing. They are really the “cool and popular” sea lions on the beach. Louis is the leader of the group, he is always in front of the group when they go fishing. Leo is a quiet sea lion. He isn’t very outspoken but definitely knows what he is talking about. He has more quiet strength. Henry is the jokester of the group. He is always there to lighten the mood and is one to be the most playful when they are swimming in the ocean. Today was a busy day for these three amigos. Lots of swimming and fishing. Now it is time for a sleep on the beach. They enjoy each other’s company so much–they never seem to be found apart, true friends.
Sammy
Sammy is just a wee little baby sea lion. He doesn’t know where his mom is today but it seems like he is enjoying the company of this human who is standing behind him. He is only a few weeks old and already is having to learn how to survive on North Seymour Island. He likes to spend his days frolicking in the ocean and playing with his other baby sea lion friends. He hears this human talking to his friends about how he wants to take Sammy home with him. Sammy is quite confused by this because he just loves to stay on the beach and rocks in the Galapagos. He wonders why someone would want to remove him from his home. But Sammy enjoys the attention he is getting now. It is an overcast day out now, and Sammy hopes that the sun will come out–he doesn’t like to go swimming out when it isn’t sunny. He dreams of being a big sea lion one day and being the king sea lion of the island. But for now, he is enjoying his childhood.
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