Seal Cove

Get up close to California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals at Seal Cove, located across from Sea Lion Stadium.

Many of the sea lions in our care have inspiring rescue stories and were determined to be non-releasable following rehabilitation. Today, they provide guests with a unique opportunity to learn about their species, the importance of marine mammal rescue efforts, and the role we all play in protecting our oceans.

Do you know the differences between seals and sea lions?

California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals share the Seal Cove habitat, offering a unique opportunity to observe these two marine mammal species side by side. While they may appear similar at first glance, guests can discover the distinct physical and behavioral characteristics that make each species unique.

Unlike seals, sea lions have prominent external ear flaps and long fore flippers – with a bone structure similar to a human arm and hand, and they can move on land as well as water – their hind flippers rotate forward, allowing them to walk on “all fours.” They also use their large fore flippers to propel themselves when swimming. Sea lions communicate through vocalization, including barking, growling and grunting, and specific vocalizations between mother and pup.

Seals, on the other hand, lack an external ear flap, but have an opening to the ear canal that provides them with a keen sense of hearing. Seals have short fore flippers and have hind flippers that extend directly behind the plump body. When on land, harbor seals move like inchworms, but they swim gracefully underwater.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has helped to rehabilitate rescued or stranded pups and adults in partnership with the Marine Mammal Center and the National Marine Fisheries. Support The Marine Mammal Center and its programs to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured marine mammals, and other similar marine mammal facilities.

Animal Fact