Schleich Sea Lion
Sea lions have large, hairless flippers allowing them to control their body temperature. The rest of their body is covered with thick fur, consisting of permanent underfur and a longer top coat that grows anew annually. Sea lions can dive up to 200 meters below sea level (much deeper than other pinnipeds) to hunt for fish like herring, anchovies and squids. They predominantly stay in the water, except during mating season when there is a good deal of sea lions that crowd the beach they have chosen for reproduction. Most of them set out to these areas in May, so that their pups are born in June. The males are polygamous, which means they mate with several females. The males are also considerably larger than the females and very strong. They protect both their territory and their harem against other males. Sea lions have a life expectancy of nearly 30 years.