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California Sea Lion

California Sea Lion line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

California Sea Lion full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The California Sea Lion was completed on 8/28/2009. This is the second pinniped I've drawn (the other being a Pacific Harbor Seal. Since moving to California ten years ago, I've grown accustomed to seeing these animals in the waters of the Bay Area. They can always be found at Pier 39 basking, swimming or trying to haul their massive bodies up onto the docks. The drawing is based on a photo by A.J. Haverkamp.

Information about the California Sea Lion:

The California Sea Lion is a coastal pinniped native to the western parts of North America. These intelligent animals are very adaptable and highly trainable. They are often used in circuses and zoos, and although they are often labeled seals, they are not actually seals but rather a member of the same family. California Sea Lions are large animals and males can grow to weigh over 600 pounds and eight feet in length. Females are smaller and usually lighter in color. Sea Lions feed on fish and squid mostly, but will also eat shelled animals like clams. Their numbers are abundant and in some areas even on the rise.