Sea Lion Climbs Onto Boat To Avoid Hungry Orca

The Galapagos Islands are home to incredible wildlife. These islands host one of the earth's most diverse ecosystems. The convergence of three powerful ocean currents creates a unique climate and it draws animals from all around the planet. Some thrive here all year round, like the sea lions that inhabit almost all rocky shores and beaches in the Galapagos.

Other animals, like the orca are more likely to come and go, depending on mating habits, food supplies, and ocean temperatures. A large, male orca was hunting in the vicinity of this Galapagos dive boat, doing his best to catch sea lions and Pacific green turtles. A very wary and clever sea lion knew that an orca in the area was a dangerous thing. Orcas are among the most powerful and effective hunters in the world. They are the top ocean predator and they fear nothing.

The sea lion decided to climb the stairs at the rear of the dive boat before he became lunch. The sea lions in this part of the world coexist with the humans who allow them a respectful distance whenever possible. This young fellow knew he had a much better chance aboard the boat where he was safe from the jaws of the killer whale. The smell of the food cooking on board was probably part of the reason that he decided to stay and accompany the divers along the shore to the next dive site.

Sea lions live in colonies and they have territories and well established social groups. It was not fair to the sea lion to take him far from his home beach, so the divers made sure that he got off the boat before they covered enough distance for the sea lion to become lost.

As tempting as it would be to touch or pet this adorable sea lion, residents of the Galapagos adhere to the strict laws that prohibit physical contact. They gently remind their guests that there is a hands off policy too. Nature rarely needs help from humans and interfering, even with the best of intentions can have negative effects. But in this case, allowing the seal lion to hitch a ride seemed like the right thing to do.