
But Why: What’s a seal? What’s a sea lion?
Published by But Why: May 2, 2025
What’s the difference between seals and sea lions? Do seals bark? Are they gray? Do harbor seals live in snowy regions? Why do sea lions eat fish? Why do sea lions fight each other?
Seals and sea lions are pinnipeds, fin-footed marine mammals, and we’re learning all about them today with a visit to The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, where marine biologist Adam Ratner answers all your pinniped questions!
Yes, I want to save a life!

Yes, I want to save a life!
You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.
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The Marine Mammal Center reports high levels of marine mammal disturbance in Central and Northern California for third year in a row
June 10, 2025
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The New York Times: Racing to Save California’s Elephant Seals From Bird Flu
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NBC News: Six dead gray whales found in San Francisco Bay area in the last week
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