Scientific Name – Zalophus californianus

Classification – Zalophus

Gender Names – Male – bull; Female – cow; Baby – pup

Collective Noun – Colony or pod

Length/Size – 2.4 m (7.9 ft)

Weight – 350 kg (770 lb)

Top Speed – 10.8 km/h (6.7 mph)

Life Expectancy – 15-25 years; Maximum longevity in captivity is 35.7 years

Mating Season – Between May and August

Gestation Period – 9 months

Special Features – Particularly intelligent and able to take training to perform different kinds of tasks and play tricks

Social Structure – Extremely gregarious forming large groups with a dominating male that will form harems of up to 30 females

Geographical Distribution – Along the western coast and islands of North America, from southeast Alaska to central Mexico

Natural Habitat – Along the sandy and rocky shores close to water

World Population – Currently estimated at up to 300,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Critically Endangered, Endangered

Diet – Squid, fish, octopus, clam

Predators – Killer whales and sharks