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Learn about Whales and Help Save a Life

Check out our new whale behavior visual guide! Dive in to discover the “why” behind the different behaviors you might see.

Learn fun facts about these gentle giants, what conservation efforts are helping to protect them, ways you can be a whale champion and more.

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humpback whale tail
large group of sea lions underwater

Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses

Learn More About Pinnipeds

The word "pinniped" means fin- or flipper-footed and refers to the marine mammals that have front and rear flippers. This group includes seals, sea lions and walruses -- animals that live in the ocean but are able to come on land for long periods of time. Learn the differences between seals and sea lions

Millions of years ago, the ancestors of pinnipeds lived on land. These were probably weasel- or bear-like animals that spent more and more time in the ocean and eventually adapted to this marine environment.

Pinnipeds are separated into three groups: earless seals, eared seals and walruses.

sea lion pup
harbor seal
Steller sea lion
northern fur seal with mouth open
Research Insight

Pinniped Research at The Marine Mammal Center

seals, sea lions, walrus, pacific harbor seal, northern elephant seal, california sea lion, stellar sea lion, northern fur seal, guadalupe fur seal, marine mammal information, facts