Sea Lion Facts For Kids from the Kangaroo Island Adventure at Wonder Rotunda

This material about the habits and habitat of Australian Sea Lions is drawn from the "Learn More" reading opportunities in the Kangaroo Island Adventure at the Wonder Rotunda, an on-line educational theme park for ages 7-12.

Australian Sea Lions

The Australian Sea Lion Colony you have visited is at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, Australia. Seal Bay has a population of approximately 700 sea lions. The total world population of the Australian Sea Lion is only about 12,000, making it one of the rarest seal species in the world.  

A male Australian Sea Lion is known as a Bull. They are amazingly good divers! Scientists have tracked instances of dives by Bulls, to more than 800 feet, staying underwater for approximately 7 minutes. Females usually dive to around 250 feet staying under water for 4-5 minutes.

Sea Lions will make about 900 to 1,200 dives in a 3 day feeding trip and will only rest for short periods during that time! 

Females are generally away from the colony for 3 days at a time, returning ashore to feed their pups and rest between trips. They may travel 20 miles or more in search of food such as squid, octopus, and fish.   

During the breeding season Bulls become aggressive with other males. They defend a distance around themselves in the location of a breeding female.

About Wonder Rotunda

The Wonder Rotunda is an online children's adventure museum (for ages 7-12) that sparks curiosity, helps kids find their interests and passions, and inspires them to think about making a mark in the world. Topics explored include marine life, space exploration, animal life, classical music, nutrition, American government, globalization, climate change, money and business, the visual and performing arts, film making and climate change. Take the Free Tour.


About the Kangaroo Island Moonlight Adventure

A moonlit speedboat ride across a rocky channel on your way out to Kangaroo Island sets the stage for this adventure. Once on the island, using special flashlights to find nocturnal animals, you learn about Koalas, Wallabies and Kangaroos. Later that night, you’ll watch quietly as a colony Little Blue Penguins swim ashore to feed their hungry chicks. Your adventure concludes with a visit to a colony of Australian Sea Lions.