Although they may be called the Cape Fur Seals, they are actually sea lions. These sea lions reside along the coast of Namibia, as well as along the coast of South Africa. They are names seals rather than sea lions because of their extra fur; try not to confuse them! Sea lions have external ears, walk well on their flippers, have longer front flippers, and are usually the sea mammals that are in shows, whereas seals cannot walk. This species can also be found along the coast of Australia, but they have a different name.
They spend a long time at sea, where they may go 100 miles away from shore. Because they’re at sea for so long, they rest with their flippers hanging out of the water. This allows the sun to warm their flippers, because they’re cold-blooded, while they’re sleeping. They like to eat fish and squid, and can dive to about a quarter mile down. They are a major meal for sharks. Females are much smaller than males, getting up to 100-200 pounds, whereas males get up to 700-800 pounds. The males try to be very large to compete for females.
They are also in danger from humans. Last year, 80,000 pups were harvested in Namibia for their furs. There were also some adult males who were harvested for the testicles to use in China. So although they aren’t protected in Namibia, they are protected in South Africa.
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