On first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that sea lions and seals are the same, but they are in fact completely different animals! While they are both classed as pinnipeds, a family that also includes walrus, both sea lions and seals have very different characteristics and physical features.
So, let’s learn more about these incredible creatures and what sets them apart, and how we can help to look after them and keep them safe.
Sea lion vs seal – quick fire facts
Seals and sea lions are grouped in two different families, with true seals and eared seals. The former includes the Phocidae family, lacking external ear flaps. This encompasses species such as harbour seal, elephant seal and monk seal. Eared seals belong to the Otariidae family and includes sea lions, like the California sea lion and Steller sea lion, and fur seals.
Sea lions will also walk on land using all four of their flippers, while seals typically crawl on land using their bellies.
How do sea lions and seals differ?
So, while they may look relatively similar, there are actually a surprising number of differences between seals and sea lions. Our head-to-head comparison guide below should fill you in on everything that sets these amazing creatures apart.
You can also download our handy poster on the phyiscal differences here.
Physical features
Sea lions and seals do differ in their appearance despite looking quite similar at first.
Flippers
Sea lions have long, skin-covered flippers that they use like wings to glide through the water. Their hind flippers have rotating hip joints, allowing them to walk on all fours like a cat and a dog. Seals possess shorter, furred flippers with visible claws and cannot rotate their hind limbs, forcing them to move on land by undulating their bellies in a motion called galumphing.
Ears
As we mentioned earlier, the most immediate giveaway is the presence of external ear flaps. Sea lions have small, visible flaps called pinnae on the sides of their heads. True seals lack these external structures entirely, possessing only tiny, inconspicuous ear holes that are flush with their skin. However, the fur seal has small ears, which makes it more similar to sea lions than true seals.
Habitat
Sea lions and seals are semi-aquatic marinemammals, living along the coastlines around the world. Sea lions are typically found in the Pacific Ocean region, but their range spans around subarctic to tropical waters, and they can be found in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. For example, the California sea lion is found along the Pacific coast of North America, while the Stellar sea lion inhabits colder waters between Japan and California.
Seals usually favour colder waters, and can be found around Greenland, Canada, Alaska and even here in the UK. Grey seals and harbour seals can be found around the UK. You may be surprised to learn that seals actually spend more time on land, despite spending a lot of time swimming to feed.
Characteristics and behaviour
Sea lions are more social than seals, typically found in large groups known as colonies, whereas seals are much more solitary. Sea lions are typically much louder and more vocal compared to seals, recognised by their loud bark. Seals are typically quieter, vocalising with soft grunts, growls and hisses.
How to care for sea lions and seals
As with a huge number of animals, both sea lions and seals face threats to their existence. Pollution, fishing bycatch or entanglement and climate change all play a role, with a number of species classified as near threatened, like the bearded seal, or vulnerable like the Mediterranean monk sealBoth the Galapagos sea lion and Australian sea lion are classified as endangered.
You can also find out more about the dangers seals face from the Seal Alliance.
So, what can we do to help the future populations of these pinnipeds? Here at Tynemouth Aquarium we are home to our very own seal hospital, where we care for sick and injured seals and seal pups.
Don’t disturb them
The most important thing when protecting seals is to remember not to disturb them. It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb or harass seals, protected under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. Disturbances can include causing seals to stampede into the water, approaching too closely or separating mothers from their pups.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) advises to follow the 5 S’s to watch seals safely:
- STOP: Do not approach seals, or let children and dogs near them.
- SPACE: Keep a minimum distance of 100m. This is especially important for seal pups as the mother may abandon them if anyone has interfered.
- SILENCE: Stay calm, quiet and keep a low profile so the seals are less likely to notice you, as this can cause them stress and injury.
- SLEEP: Seals need to conserve their energy for when they are out at sea, so it’s even more crucial not to disturb them while they are resting.
- SUPPORT: If you’re concerned about the welfare of a seal, you can get in touch with the BDMLR.
Concerning sights that you should be aware of in seals include a pup alone between June-August, signs of thinness or malnutrition, entanglement or other signs of ill health like rapid breathing, coughing and the presence of thick mucus.
Remember that if you see a seal on the beach, it’s not in danger as it’s completely normal for them to be on land, unless you see any signs of injury.
See seals for yourself at Tynemouth Aquarium
Beyond providing a dedicated home for our permanent residents at Seal Cove, the team at Tynemouth Aquarium is deeply committed to safeguarding the wild populations that grace our local coastline. By educating our visitors, we bridge the gap between public interest and active conservation, ensuring that the North East remains a safe haven for these incredible creatures for generations to come.
A cornerstone of this commitment is our purpose-built Seal Hospital, a specialist facility designed to treat sick, injured, or orphaned seals pupsrescued from across the region. The hospital features dedicated areas where our specialist team works tirelessly to rehabilitate animals with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. For those curious about the recovery process, a few of our pens are available for public view, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the vital medical care required to get these animals back on their flippers.
Seeing these animals in person is the best way to appreciate their incredible beauty and uniqueness. Ready to see our residents for yourself and learn more? Book your tickets online today and plan your next adventure at Tynemouth Aquarium!