Seal Island...

At Seal Island you will discover South African Fur Seals and Californian Sea Lions frolicking in the surf.  Both species come from the same family of animals known as the Pinnipeds, Latin for “wing-footed”, due to the large flippers these animals have.  Within this family, sea lions fall under the sub-division of Eared Seals due to their visible external ear.

The South African Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) or Cape Fur Seal comes from the coast of South Africa.  Their range is quite extensive, from Cape Cross (Namibia), around the Cape of Good Hope to Black Rocks, Cape Province.  They are the largest of all fur seals with males (bulls) growing to 2.27m (7’5”) and weigh up to 360kg (790lbs).  The females (cows) usually reach 1.71m (5’7”) and can weigh up to 120kg (260lbs). 

The Californian Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus californainus) by comparison is much larger than the South African Fur Seal.  Originating from the west coast of Northern American and the Pacific Ocean.   Male Californian sea lions can grow up to 2.5m (7’10”) and weigh up to 390kg (860lbs).  The females are always smaller and can grow to lengths of 2m (6’7”) and weigh up to 110kg (240lbs).

Fur Seals and Sea Lions are opportunistic feeders and have a wide varied diet.  The bulk of their diet is made of bony fish like mackerel, however they will also eat squid, octopus, crab, lobster and some sea lions have been noted eating sea birds like penguins.