“Rapoka”. The harbour was deserted aside from this handsome fellow sunning himself on the launch pad with the sun behind him bouncing off the sea. The New Zealand Sea Lion “Rapoka” is one of the world’s rarest sea lions and endemic to this country. If they feel threatened they may chase you and can bite. This endangered species of sea lion which lives around the coasts of New Zealand and its surrounding islands. Life span: About 20 years. 200cm long (females), 350cm long (males) and weighing up to 230kg (females) or 410kg (males). Diet:Octopus, fish, crustaceans, mussels and penguins.
Location Taken: Port Chalmers, New Zealand. Panasonic Lumix Camera Model DMC-FZ35
Featured 12th April 2011

Slobber Chops

Oh that feels so, so good! – Sea Lion – Rapoka

The Hooker’s sea lion, Phocarctos hookeri, is one of the rarest and most endangered sea lions.
They are the deepest diving otariid seals (eared seals), with animals repeatedly diving to depths in excess of 500 metres.
The New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) is one of the world’s rarest eared seals and is endemic to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic waters. Hooker’s sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) is a protected marine mammal.

The Hooker’s – Sealion