The California sea lion is found along the entire west coast of the North American continent, from Canada to Mexico. Most of the time, males and females do not live together. It is only during the breeding season from May to July that they gather in large groups called rookeries. At that time, the males defend a coastal area in order to mate with the females there. As gestation lasts 11 months, it is also the time for giving birth; moreover, the baby is called the pup. The young becomes independent at one year and leaves to make room for the newborn. Very comfortable in the water, the sea lion can swim at 30km/h, stay underwater for 5 minutes, and dive to more than 200 meters deep.
