Sightings of a Galápagos sea lion and a Galápagos fur seal have been reported at several beaches along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, according to the National Animal Health Service (SENASA).

According to the Directorate of the Galápagos National Park of the Government of Ecuador, the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) and the Galápagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis) are two distinct species of marine mammals belonging to the eared seal family, or Otariidae. Both species are native and endemic to the Galápagos Islands, located in the eastern Pacific Ocean off Ecuador.

The Galápagos sea lion is a small sea lion species with a relatively long snout, large eyes and a sleek body. Adult males, known as bulls, are much larger than females, weighing up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds), and develop a prominent forehead bump known as a sagittal crest.  Highly social and active during the day, Galápagos sea lions are commonly seen lounging on sandy beaches, rocky shores and even human docks. They are also very playful in the water.

The Galápagos fur seal is the smallest of all eared seal and fur seal species. It has a shorter, pointed muzzle, very prominent ear flaps and a much thicker, shaggy brown coat with dense underfur.  Males can weigh about 64 kilograms (141 pounds), while females are smaller, weighing roughly 27 kilograms (60 pounds).  The species prefers rocky, shaded shorelines, caves and crevices where it can stay out of the hot equatorial sun.  They hunt almost exclusively at night, diving deeper to catch fish and squid that rise toward the surface after dark.

In Costa Rica, several sightings of the Galápagos sea lion have reportedly been recorded in Backwash Beach in the Osa Peninsula.

In addition, sightings of the Galápagos fur seal have been reported near the Ostional Wildlife Refuge and Minas Beach, both along the northern Pacific Coast in Guanacaste Province.

“This is an oceanographic phenomenon that causes the animals to travel farther from their natural habitat in search of food, which is why they end up on our shores,” said Gabriela Hernández Mora, a SENASA expert, in comments to local news media.

“We believe these cases, referring to both seals, originate from the Galápagos Islands, and it is not that uncommon. Based on the behavior we have observed in these animals, it is likely that we will see more sightings of this wildlife from the Galápagos,” Hernández said.

Experts say that when these species appear on beaches along the continental mainland, it is usually because ocean currents have carried them away from their normal range or because they have deviated from their usual feeding routes. The animals can swim long distances in search of food.

Experts are urging beachgoers not to approach the animals, to keep a safe distance and to give them enough space to carry out their natural activities safely.

The public is also encouraged to report sightings to SENASA at (506) 2587-1600 or the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) at (506) 2522-6500.

Reports of non-endemic wildlife appearing in Costa Rica have become more frequent in recent years. Currently, Costa Rica’s only known flamingo, an American flamingo, will remain indefinitely under specialized care at the Jaguar Rescue Center in Limón Province. The bird is the only documented individual of its species in the country.

Costa Rica’s only known capybaras, four rare specimens of the world’s largest rodent species, are also receiving care at the Zoave Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela Province.

SENASA is a regulatory agency responsible for public health, food safety and animal welfare.

SINAC is the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.

--------
Have you ever heard of non-endemic wild animals being spotted in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com