Last updated June, 2020 . On Monday the DFO said it has seen a "slight increase" in reports of dead sea lions washing up on the shores of Vancouver Island, but noted it is "a fairly common occurrence." Females grow to 220 pounds (110 kg) and up to six feet (1.8 m) in length. Vancouver Aquarium visitors are able to get up-close with Steller sea lions at the new Steller’s Bay exhibit which spotlights these majestic and mysterious creatures. Decapitated sea lions keep washing up on Vancouver Island; expert sees a pattern Activists call for investigation after another headless sea mammal found near Nanaimo B.C. Unlike a zoo, none of the animals are held in captivity. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. The sea lions are often seen sharking, a behavior where they hold their flippers above the cold water to absorb heat from the air and avoid the freezing temperatures of the sea. Image of rocks, pacific, green - 164817421 Males are larger than females, and average 3 m long and 544 kg. Closed-toed shoes are required. But perhaps our rowdiest (and smelliest) visitors from the wild kingdom are the California sea lions that take up residence on the Steveston jetty in Richmond each fall and stay until late spring. Sea lion behind. At first, all she could see was a large black figure rounding in and out of the water at a variety of heights and directions. Steller sea lions are the largest of the 5 species of sea lion and are the fourth largest pinniped in the world, behind the northern Read More… Grey Wolf One of the shyest and most elusive creatures on Vancouver Island is the Vancouver Island wolf. Named after naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described them in 1741, the steller sea lion is the largest of the eared seals. Along the way you’ll enjoy the sights of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, the North Shore, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley park. Once you merge onto the Highway, you’re on the road to Whistler! According to the Vancouver Aquarium, Steller sea lions are quite common off the coast of B.C. California sea lions are coastal animals found from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. California's beaches and islands are also home to Pacific harbor seals, elephant seals, and rarer fur seals. It’s a truly amazing experience. Purchase a Vancouver Aquarium e-gift card online More information... Pinterest. The Steller sea lions are the largest of their kind. General admission is extra and will be charged upon booking. Where can we find Sea Lions? The rocky area at the base of the cliff is a rookery. Walk, bike & more. Find services & amenities here. Booking office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - closed weekends and holidays. Photo about Sea Lions laying on rocks at Victoria Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Meet up with a sea lion trainer and experience first-hand what it’s like to work with such charismatic animals. Female Steller sea lions are 2.5 m long and weigh 263 kg on average. Long Beach: Great place to see the sea lions - See 1,235 traveler reviews, 611 candid photos, and great deals for Tofino, Canada, at Tripadvisor. "When you see something like that, it moves you," Short said. Although Stellar sea lions breed in British Columbia and California sea lions—mostly in California, you can watch both types of pups on the islands of Salish sea. Steller sea lions range throughout the Pacific Rim (from northern California to Northern Honshu in Japan, and to the Bering Strait). - See 180 traveler reviews, 52 candid photos, and great deals for Vancouver, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Crossing over the Lions Gate Bridge from Vancouver you’ll take the Taylor Way exit, following the signs for Squamish/Whistler. There is a colony of harbour seals (not sea lions) that live just south of Williams Beach, in Merville, in the Comox Valley, about 20 minutes' drive south of Courtenay. Vancouver Island supports black bears, cougars, wolves, elk, deer and many other mammal and bird species, both abundant and threatened in numbers. Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres: Best activity in Vancouver! Yearly Sea Lion Migration in Vancouver Island City. Take a stroll down to the viewing platforms and peer over the edge. Because Sea Lion Caves is an all-natural wildlife preserve and marine sanctuary, all of the animals are free to come and go as they please. Long Beach: Great place to see the sea lions - See 1,235 traveler reviews, 611 candid photos, and great deals for Tofino, Canada, at Tripadvisor. And the unusual thing is that some of them have been missing their heads. Ashby, the Steller sea lion at the Vancouver Aquarium (Eric Zimmer / Daily Hive) “It’s really the first habitat where we’re able to do research in front of the public,” he said. Destinations. California Sea Lions at Fanny Bay in Baynes Sound, Eastern Vancouver Island, BC - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock The two may be found together, but they are here for different reasons. All prices include GST. The pups of both kinds are born between mid-May and July. Come nose to snout with Steller sea lions at Steller’s Bay, an exhibit that spotlights these majestic and mysterious creatures, only at Vancouver Aquarium. Binoculars help. In the heart of Stanley Park, the internationally renowned Vancouver Aquarium features over 50,000 animals, including many species of Pacific sea life. However they are obviously quite at home in Fanny Bay, for I later learned that Sea Lions can be spotted here at almost any time of year. Their color ranges from chocolate brown in males to a lighter, golden brown in females. The pups of both kinds are born between mid-May and July. Sea lions, unlike … Program availability is extremely limited and subject to change. Vancouver can be a real jungle sometimes, with bald eagles, coyotes, black bears and even whales making appearances in the city’s beaches, forests and backyards. Stellar sea lions at Cowichan Bay. Option 2: The Sightseers Choice. You can watch them on the islands of the Salish sea. British Columbia is home to a large number of sea lions. Vancouver Island Tourism Vancouver … Don’t confuse them with seals. Answer 1 of 7: We’re planning a trip to Courtenay and wanted to stop our way from Vancouver on Fanny Bay. VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C. Steller sea lions are the most common sea lion on Vancouver Island and numbers are estimated close to 25,000 in British Columbia. Come nose to snout with Steller sea lions at Steller’s Bay: an exhibit that spotlights these majestic and mysterious creatures, only at the Vancouver Aquarium. Long Beach: Great place to see the sea lions - See 1,235 traveler reviews, 611 candid photos, and great deals for Tofino, Canada, at Tripadvisor. A beautiful backdrop for events big and small. Sea Otters in a raft relax in a bed of kelp on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Log in. Download Stellar Sea Lions Hornby Island Daytime Vancouver Canada Royalty Free Stock Image via CartoonDealer. The Aquarium has paused all on-site public programming and temporarily closed to the public while we focus on transformation. Sea lions, unlike the ubiquitous Harbour Seal of the coast, are able to move about on land using their four flippers. Call 604-659-3552 / 1-800-931-1186 or email [email protected] to book. Advance reservations are required. They are further distinguished by their longer necks and Join us for an exciting 2 hour trip to see these marine mammals. In fact, there was a third population of sea lions in the Sea of Japan, but they became extinct around the time of World War II. Steller sea lions inhabit coastal areas all around the northern Pacific Ocean. Watch as a sea lion drags a young girl into the waters at the Steveston Fisherman's Wharf, Richmond B.C. The Steller sea lion is the largest species of sea lion. Originating in the Rocky Mountains, it is the largest river in British Columbia bringing 20 million tons of sediment to the ocean each year. Vancouver Aquarium pausing public programming to focus on transformation. Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. Please note that Animal Encounters have been suspended until further notice. You’ll see the signs for Highway 99 (the official name for the Sea to Sky Highway) at the top of the hill. The eastern population of Steller sea lions was as low as 18,000 in the late 1970s but has recovered considerably well since then, and was taken off the Endangered Species List in October, 2013. California sea lions are slightly smaller. Females in comparison are much smaller, weighing as much as 270kg (600lbs), and reaching lengths of 2.5m or 8 feet. Steller sea lions inhabit coastal areas all around the northern Pacific Ocean. Find transportation tips here. VANCOUVER -- Headless sea lions have been washing up on Vancouver Island since spring, and a marine mammal expert says it's likely the animals were deliberately beheaded by humans. Sea Lion Caves/Facebook. GROUP BOOKINGS ONLY - … Cameras are not permitted within the habitat for animal safety reasons. Zoom into our collection of high-resolution cartoons, stock photos and vector illustrations. From December through April, sea lions converge on the east side of Vancouver Island to feed on herring that are returning to spawn. Seals differ from sea lions in a number of ways, including having shorter, stouter flippers, and no visible ear flaps. Both Steller and California sea lions can be observed on our tours. Visitors can usually spot minke whale and orca exhalations as they hunt for sea lions and seals. Guided by an Aquarium interpreter, you will learn how the sea lions at the Vancouver Aquarium are helping researchers piece together why these majestic animals are disappearing in the wild. Males are larger than females, and average 3 m long and 544 kg. Review Contents: Overview. Come nose to snout with Steller sea lions at Steller’s Bay, an exhibit that spotlights these majestic and mysterious creatures, only at Vancouver Aquarium. The playful sea otters are particularly captivating, and other sea mammals such as dolphins, belugas, and sea lions attract large audiences. They can live for up to 30 years. Sea lions migrate to areas across the Pacific Coast, from Vancouver to the southern tip of Baja. At Sea Lion Caves, we are taking guest safety very seriously. See also: Watch adorable penguins explore the Vancouver Aquarium (VIDEOS) Orcas spotted in Burrard Inlet during the pandemic shutdown (VIDEO) “Once the garbage was removed, the sea lion was able to swim away on its own.” Helped the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre save a sea lion today! Participants must be 8 years of age or older. Steller's Bay. Most pups are born on the Channel Islands located off Southern California in June. It is necessary to follow many safety protocols to protect our guests and our staff. Vancouver Aquarium Lion Sea Explore Photography Leon Fotografie Lions The Ocean. — The nutrient-rich emerald waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Vancouver Island provide a home to some of the most beautiful marine creatures in the world. California sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. You can still see the sea lions. There are two species of sea lions that occur in British Columbia waters. Saved by Fish Loving. In 2013, four headless sea lions were found on Vancouver Island beaches. Males are about 7.4 ft (2.25 m) long and weigh over 661,4 lbs (300 kg). And I think that kind of got people talking about why that might be and how these sea lions kind of lost their heads, I guess. Sea lion whiskers are used in some Indigenous regalia for ceremonies. Stellar Sea Lions making themselves at French Creek Marina, on Vancouver Island, BC. The Steller sea lions at the Aquarium were brought in from Triangle Island, British Columbia, as pups when they were a few weeks old. Enjoy each moment. California Sea Lion; Steller Sea Lion. Vancouver is situated on the banks of the Fraser River and its large estuary, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. This is where the Stellar sea lions mate, give birth, and raise their young. See sea lions! Sea Lion in Vancouver, Aquarium. You will walk on un-even, wet, slippery surfaces, Closed-toed shoes are required for your safety, Cameras are not permitted for animal safety, Please advise us of any special needs or concerns. However, there is a distinct population of California sea lions at the Galápagos Islands. Explore. Vivian Island or Mitlenatch Island near Northern Vancouver Island are also good places to watch sea lions enjoying the warm summer sun. Experience what it’s like to care for sea lions as you go behind the scenes to see the fishy part of animal care. You’ll then get to know the sea lions up close. Steller Sea Lions are the largest species of sea lion found in the Salish Sea, with males reaching one tonne (2500lbs), and stretching out to 3m or 10 feet. Residents of Vancouver Island, British Columbia have noticed a disturbing trend since this spring: headless sea lions washing ashore on their beaches. Vancouver Aquarium Sea Lion exhibit (Folake Adesugba/Daily Hive) Th… California Sea Lion; Steller Sea Lion. Females weigh around 500-700lbs, where as the larger males can reach a whopping 1000lbs, and have even been known to reach an incredible 2000lbs! Our Gift Shop offers fun and memorable aquatic-themed gifts for all ages. Dale H/Tripadvisor. The CBC reported that in 2013, four decapitated sea lions were found on Vancouver Island Beaches, and in 2014, 12 seal carcasses were found at St Lawrence in Quebec. for the amount of the encounter and admission to give the gift of aquatic wonder! The Steller sea lion is the largest species of sea lion. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Vancouver Island Tourism. Read more. It’s a truly amazing experience. The coastal Village of Lions Bay is situated about 6.25 miles (10km) north of Horseshoe Bay in its picturesque setting between the Coastal Mountains and Howe Sound. The Sea to Sky Highway Highlights Lions Bay. From March until the middle of May, both Steller and California sea lions visit the Fraser River Estuary. Mercer says several sea lions sunk a sailboat tied to the breakwater last Monday morning. Then, meet up with a sea lion trainer and experience first-hand what it’s like to work with such charismatic animals. You could use seal meat or sea lion meat for pet food, or maybe in the future, even humans could consume it. Buy your tickets and view our opening hours here. Anna Corridor is a marine mammal zoologist at Sea View Marine Sciences. Take a walk on the wild side with sea lions. Spy out amusing sea lions playing with pups at the coastal areas and islands of British Columbia. It can also be used for drums. Wildlife Viewing Tours and Operators on Vancouver Island and BC Islands No concern is too small; the more information you can provide about yourself, the better prepared we can be for your experience. In 2014, at least 12 headless seal carcasses were found on the banks of the St. Lawrence in Quebec. They can be seen on all areas on Vancouver Island though you will most likely see them from a boat since they seem to hang out on isolated rocks and small islands. Female Steller sea lions are 2.5 m long and weigh 263 kg on average. Cowichan Bay is a small little picturesque waterfront community on the southern edge of Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley. Experience the Aquarium in a whole new way. Over 70,000 animals and over 30 unique exhibits. The definitive guide to Vancouver Island. Throughout the entire journey, you can also expect to learn more about the Aquarium's many research, conservation and animal care projects. Experience first-hand what it is like to work with such charismatic animals in our Steller Bay research area. They have become a ­seasonal tourist attraction at ­picturesque Cowichan Bay, attracting a steady stream of ­visitors. She says images of the lifeless pinnipeds recommend a sample of their accidents. Find premium, high-resolution stock photography at Getty Images. There are two species of sea lions that occur in British Columbia waters. You can meet two main types of these animals. Jan 30, 2018 - What to do in Vancouver Island. Members receive 20% off. View exhibit. Program requires participants to stand and kneel for extended periods of time, go up and down stairs, walk on wet and slippery surfaces and be above the water on an unstable dock. Facebook Tweet Pin. Sea lions in the wild may live up to 25 years. Highway 99, also known as the Fraser Delta Thruway south of Vancouver, and the Sea to Sky Highway, the Squamish Highway, or Whistler Highway north of Vancouver, is the major north–south artery running through the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia from the U.S. border, up Howe Sound through the Sea to Sky Country to Lillooet, and connecting to Highway 97 just north of Cache Creek. Participants must be 8 years of age or older. Males reach 850 pounds (390 kg) and seven feet (2.1 m) in length. Photo: Mark Malleson/Center for Whale Research Show More Show Less 9 of 12 The blubber of sea lions, there’s, Omega-3 fatty acids in there, which, maybe the pharmaceutical industry might be interested in that. With a population of 238,000, there are enough California sea lions to populate a slippery city the size of Scottsdale, Arizona. Stellar Sea Lions Hornby Island Daytime Vancouver Canada. If you’re wandering around the seawall in Stanley Park or spending time near in Granville Island, chances are there is a seal nearby. If you have any questions about an animal encounter you have booked, please contact [email protected]. The two may be found together, but they are here for different reasons. During this program, you will enjoy a special presentation in the Animal Encounter room, complete with displays and props, before visiting the sea lion habitat. It’s unusual to say the least, but, I guess in the past few weeks we’ve seen local news reports about sea lions washing up on Vancouver Island, actually. Vivian Rocks or Mitlenatch Island near Northern Vancouver Island are also good places to watch sea lions enjoying the warm summer sun. The dead sea lions recently discovered on Vancouver Island beaches were not permitted kills. Please advise us of any special needs. They have a "dog-like" face, and at around five years of age, males develop a bony bump on top of their skull called a sagittal crest. Home. Image: 200082670 Four headless sea lions were found on Vancouver Island in 2013, and at least 12 seal carcasses were found on the banks of the St. Lawrence in Quebec in 2014, the CBC reported. Check the tide tables, and if the tide is going to be out (under four feet) park at the end of Williams Beach Road and walk south on the beach. 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